Unexpected Travel Oddities

10 Things you don't think to plan for when traveling...


1.  Climate Change
     Depending on where you currently live, traveling to other climates might pose a challenge. If you are going to a mountainous or hilly area, the elevation levels could pose breathing problems like shortness of breath.  Remember that humidity levels change not only in relation to the equator but the time of the year.  The sun can be hotter in some areas and may be enhanced by asphalt and water.


2.  Food Differences

     You will find this mainly outside of the U.S.  It could be as simple as different spices.  Or it could be a heavy influence of seafood used in various dishes.  You will have different fruits and vegetables to sample.  Consider that some different meats are available in other countries.  Speaking of meat, you might be outside of the USDA grades of meat ratings or those approved by the FDA.  Careful of tap water, ice cubes, or foods washed in water in countries where water systems have different or no standards.


                                                                     3.  Different Meanings

     It might be as simple as "soda" vs "pop" or even soda-pop causing confusion. Tonic and seltzer could mean different things. Milkshake, ice cream, steak, burger, biscuit, chips, and cream may all be things you think you want but may not get what you thought you ordered.  Pudding could be another tricky one - blood pudding and bread pudding are not traditional pudding at all.  Consider non-food things that will mean something else in a different country:  bill, bird, bogey, carnival, carriage, first floor, football, hockey, holiday, and garden.


4.  Metric Systems
     Expect different forms of measurement in other countries.  Some are on the metric system, which means rental cars may have different speedometers or you may need to look at the inner numbers of yours.  Getting gasoline...some countries sell by the liter rather than gallon.  What about miles vs. kilometers?  Grams vs. Ounces.  Then there are regions that use military time.  It'll make you wish you paid more attention in math class.


5.  Electrical Outlets
     Be sure to check ahead if you need an electrical adapter for any appliances, gadgets, or electronics you will be traveling with.  While some are 220 volt others are 110 volt.  Some regions or vessels do not have electrical outlets in the bathrooms per regulation.


6.  Currency Changes

     This might be an obvious one, but remember the days when the U.S. dollar was worth more than Canadian?  The exchange rates have been very close recently so check in advance - some merchants will accept it on par.  It's good to know the currency conversion for hotels, restaurants, and other purchases so you know if it's a price you want to pay.  Most credit card companies will do the conversion for you - but most charge you a fee as well.


7.  Phone or Internet Access
     Call your cellphone provider before you travel to find out what the roaming charges, data usage charges, and other use of your apps etc. will cost you when you travel.  See if you can purchase a package for the time frame you are away.  Many regions won't have cellphone towers where you need them.  The same goes for Internet Access - even though most countries will have access, the type will be different.  Many countries block social media sites or even certain search engines.  On a cruise ship, you'll pay additional rates to use the ship's communication satellite system connection.


 8.  Laws or Rules 
     Be very aware when you are in other countries because laws and rules could be very different or more obscure than you realize.  Tossing something out of the car window could land you in jail.  Dropping something in the water may result in a hefty ticket.  It's always good to check resources so that you fully understand what new laws or rules you might encounter in your travels.  Don't find out the hard way.


9.  Time Change
Some travelers don't realize how spending time in a different time zone will affect sleep and wake patterns.  Why you will have energy at odd times of the day and feel immediate need for napping at others.  Your body's routines are not that quickly adjusted simply because the clock says what time it is.  Then when you travel back to home, you might find the same oddness - depending on how long you were gone.


10.  Tipping
       Another item to research before you travel.  Some countries or regions won't allow the tipping of waitstaff, cab drivers, luggage handlers, etc.  Others it is considered an insult.  Be sure to understand what is expected in other countries - as the U.S. standard 15% may not be the expectation abroad.  Ask or look at your bill to see if a tip is automatically included.  Also find out if a tip to the hostess or maitre'd is expected.


                            Video:  Travel Tips

Airfare search secrets to save money


Here are the things that travel search engines or airlines won't tell you about searching for the lowest airfare...


I have earned a reputation for being able to find low airfares for family and friends. So I thought I would share some of my secrets in how I am able to do so.

You don't need to search round trip
Most travelers, by default or by habit, search for airfare in a round trip mode.  Truth is, you are not required to search in round trip mode - even if you are leaving from and returning to the same airport on the same airline.  In fact, you might find that the combination of the round trip default travel times don't work well for your trip.  Instead, try searching from your departing airport to the destination airport one-way first; repeat for the return flight.  This way, you will see what times the departing or returning flights on those days offers the cheapest air fare.  Then piece your departing and return flight based on your preferences of price and time.


You don't have to fly the same airline departing and returning

When you search in one way mode, you do not have to choose the same airline for your departing and returning flights.  You can pick one airline going there and one airline returning.  Search engines make it easy for you when they show all airlines headed from your departing airport to your destination on a particular day.  Just choose the one in each direction that best meets your preferences of price and time.


You don't have to fly in and out of the same airport

Although it takes a bit more time to search this way, you may find that flying into one airport and then returning out of another makes a difference in your airfare.  Now this might pose a problem if you are returning to a different airport, but you parked your car at another.


It's usually not cheaper to search at each airline's own website

The travel search engines can usually buy up blocks of seats at a discounted price and the resell them to you.  You will note that when you are searching, you might see "1 seat left at this price" and then once that seat is gone the price almost always goes up.  When you search for flights on an airline's website, you don't have the privilege of comparing those rates with other airline offerings.  Some airlines rarely participate with travel search engines - such as Southwest Airlines or Virgin America.  So you may have to go to their sites and specifically search what they have to offer.


Watch for the connecting or change plane stops on non-direct flights

If you have one or two connecting or change plane flights, consider whether you simply want to stop your airfare travel at that point and take a shuttle or rent a car to complete your trip.  What I mean is this, if you are flying from Detroit to Miami and the airfare is X, but the flight from Detroit to Ft. Lauderdale is Y, and the difference between the two would more than cover a 25-minute shuttle ride to reach Miami, then choose to discontinue the flight portion of the trip and opt for the latter scenario to save money.  


Here is another example.  I searched for flights from Miami to Detroit - only to find out that the plane stopped in Indianapolis and then Chicago before going to Detroit.  It was cheaper for us to stop the flight portion of the trip in Indianapolis and rent a car back to Detroit than it was to stay on the prescribed flight route.  AND, we got into Detroit before the plane from Chicago did.


Another example is when flying from Detroit to Los Angeles, it was cheaper to take the Megabus to Chicago and then fly to Los Angeles from there. (Same goes for the reverse route.) When I say cheaper, I mean by a lot.  I wouldn't go through the trouble if it wasn't worth it, but when you can save more than $100 per person, it is worth it.  You just have to be a good judge of timing.


Search for airfare using different search engines
You may find different deals among the different travel search engines.  Although some of the search engines offer you a side by side comparison among some travel search engines, they DO NOT cover all options.  I always include bing.com/travel/ in my searches because they have a predictor tool to indicate whether they expect the flights you searched for to increase or decrease going forward.  Kayak.com is another popular site, but I have become less happy with them in the past year.  Expedia is fairly good, but its site is not optimized for smart phones.  Orbitz and Travelocity would be my next favorites. 


Luggage fees factor into airfare cost
Take the time to calculate in the cost of your luggage with the airfare.  If an airline is charging you $25 per bag, add the cost of one or two bags to your airfare and see if it is still cheaper than flying on the airline that doesn't charge for luggage (hint hint Southwest Airlines).


Search engine travel packages
If you are planning to stay in a hotel at your destination, don't rule out including searches for Flight+Hotel.  You may find that bundled together, these would save your overall cost of traveling by $50 to $200 on average than if you booked each separately.


When to search and fly
You will hear many people say that airfare is always cheapest when you search on Tuesdays.  I haven't always found that to be true.  BUT, if you are able to depart or return on a Tuesday, the airfare is generally less than any other day of the week.  It isn't always true anymore that including a Saturday night stay means your airfare is cheaper.  This doesn't even apply if you are booking in one-way mode or using different airlines per flight segment.


I hope that you find these tips helpful and I welcome any questions that you may have.

Grown Ups Just Wanna Have Fun, Fun...

What are the kid-free things to do on a cruise?

Sometimes you just want to get away from the kids.  Here are some things that adults can enjoy without little ones around.

Casino

While out at sea, the casino opens and those under 18 are prohibited from being in the casino.  Yes, sometimes you'll see families or teens cut through the casino, but they aren't there for the most part.  Gamble away!

Spa/Fitness Area

Both the spa and fitness area posts notices that guests must be 16 years+ to enter or use these areas.  Take advantage of the peaceful spa massages, facials, or sauna/steam room.  Not only are these activities relaxing but healthy for you too.  Whether working out alone or with a travel companion, you will enjoy the tranquil view of the ocean while you work out.  Occasionally there are a variety of classes you can attend as well.

Bars/Lounges/Dance Clubs

Bars and lounge areas totally frown upon under-age cruises entering.  Adults that travel with kids usually don't bring them in, but I will say that I have seen it.  The one area that enforces age of attendees is the dance clubs.  In fact, earlier hours of the day are specifically for those under 18 years.  After a certain hour, only 18+ allowed.  Piano bars would be the most likely alcohol-serving area that you might see kids, but usually adults know better.

Late Night Comedy

Comedy shows at 11 pm or later are specifically designed to be R or X-rated and are no place for kids.  The crew make several announcements and postings that material/content is not for those under 18 years.  Besides, most kids should be in their cabins by this hour.

Outdoor Serenity Lounge Area

Many cruisers are not aware that most ships have a special, secluded area of the ship (usually at the very back of the ship or a small, upper area in the center of the ship) that is meant exclusively for adults.  It is usually an area that is a little difficult to find and out of the way.  It may even be an area where bare top sunbathing is allowed.  If you cannot find this area, just ask a crew member.

Art Auction

Several cruises that are four or more days will have an art auction on board.  You'll find these posted among the "things to do" for the day.  They are not heavily attended and often serve free champagne upon arrival.  Many times they draw names to win free art.  Although kids are not forbidden, it is likely too boring for them and parents quickly realize that it is a quiet, relaxing environment and restless kids stand out.

Rum Party Boat Excursion

Caribbean, Bahama, and Jamaican cruise itineraries usually offer at least one rum party boat excursion.  Some are daytime yet others are sunset 2-hour mini-cruises that serve all you can drink rum punch.  You can always spot the cruisers that are just returning from one of these excursions.  The wobbling and weaving give them away.  Need I say more...

If all else fails, you can always hid in your cabin and create your own activities....

Cruise With Kids?

My first cruise was with my three daughters who were 8, 8, and 10 at the time.  (Yes, I have twins.)  As a single mom, it made the most sense.  But like some, I thought cruising was going to be too expensive.  I was right about the sensibility; but wrong about the cost.


From the kids' perspectives, here is why they liked to cruise:

1. Soft serve ice cream is available 24-hours a day.
2. Pizza is available 24-hours a day.
3. The pool, the slides, the need to pack multiple swimsuits.
4. Hot cocoa for breakfast and chocolate milk for dinner.
5. Riding in the glass elevators.
6. Watching the singing and dancing shows.
7. Putt-putt golf.
8. Seeing the ice sculptors work their magic.
9. Wondering what towel figure would be waiting in the cabin.
10. Air-boating in Belize.
11. Exploring the Tulum ruins in Playa Del Carmen.
12. Whale-watching in Cabo San Lucas.
13. Frolicking on the white sandy beaches in the Bahamas.
14. The turtle farm in Grand Caymen Islands.
15. Getting their hair braided.
16. Buying souvenir t-shirts.
17. Their own bunk.
18. Cookies and pretzels delivered by room service.
19. Discovering every interesting feature of the ship.
20. The big red tail fin and blow horn.

From my perspective, here is what I liked about cruising with kids:

1. We spent quality time together.
2. Cruising is affordable...$409 ea for two and $159 ea for other two.
3. Shore excursions were unique and interesting experiences for them.
4. The kids were able to visit several countries in a short period of time.
5. Talking with them about different cultures and geography.
6. Ordering whatever they wanted at meal time - trying new foods.
7. They learned proper table etiquette.
8. Seeing their faces in awe of the size of the ship.
9. Lots of activities to choose from that we all could do.
10. Safety - we felt safe on the ship...didn't feel alone.
11. No figuring out how to get anywhere or worrying about getting lost.
12. We got to dress up for dinner.
13. Our waitstaff really took interest in the kids and the kids looked forward to seeing them at mealtime.
14. Camp Carnival had a lot of cool kids activities for all age levels.                       (I escaped for a massage.)
15. We had several family photos taken on the ship by the crew.
16. They enjoyed seeing the different crew members introduced at the Captain's Reception.
17. It was easy getting around the ship with the kids in tow.
18. The kids wrote in a journal about everything they did each day at bedtime.
19. The kids were worn out at the end of the day and fell asleep quickly.
20. We had so much fun!

When my oldest daughter graduated from high school, my husband and I chaperoned a small group for their Senior Spring Break....it was another smart decision and probably another blog.

I would say that if you are still in doubt, then select a shorter cruise the first time.  To this day, the girls ask me when are we going on another cruise?

What's Up With All The Food?

Have you ever wondered why cruise ships have so much food available around the clock?  It is because having a full stomach prevents seasickness.  (At least that's what they told me on the cruise ship.)  It makes sense when you think about it.  So I don't chance it....I eat.

A cruise ship is no place for someone that truly must count calories and still enjoy all the wonderful choices.  TIP:  Lose 5 pounds before you cruise, then you won't worry if you are gaining while on the cruise.

Styles of Dining

There are so many ways to dine on a cruise ship - there is something that will suit your style.  Try them each once to get the "flavor."

Main Dining Rooms

On some cruise lines, you are assigned a table in the main dining room that is yours to sit at every dinner.  You will have the same waitstaff too.  I think this offers an very nice dining experience complete with leather-bound menus, different soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts each evening.  It is the best way to sample new foods because if you don't like it, you send it back and choose something else.  The menus also have a "lighter fare" section for those with diet concerns.

Fine Dining

Some cruises offer a really fine dining room for which you would need to make a reservation.  There is an additional cost to dining in this special restaurant area.  This is the classiest, most secluded way to dine out but not among so many others.  Higher end meals are among the menu choices.

Buffet/Cafeteria

All cruises offer an open seating, open environment buffet-type or cafeteria style dining options.  I say "options" because there is more than one choice.  There may be a buffet near the pool - so you don't have to change attire to eat.  There are usually several ethnic-themed buffet lines serving Mexican, Italian, or Chinese.  There is usually a sandwich and/or sub station (mainly open at lunch time).  There are salad bar areas as well as fruit bar or dessert bar areas as well.  There are even sidewalk cafe-type options, but those are usually at an additional cost.

Sushi Sometimes

On some of the longer cruises, there are various times when Sushi is served from one main area - usually near the casino or bar areas.  It is free...so give it a try.

Midnight Buffet

So if you missed any of the meals thus far, the longer cruises will set aside one night to display a fabulous array of culinary creations.  After the viewing time, you can dig in.  Sometimes there is a theme to the buffet like Tropical Treats or Everything Chocolate.  You won't know - it'll be a surprise!

24-Hour Pizza and Salad

I am not sure if other cruise lines offer 24-hour pizza and salad, but Carnival does.  Usually found at the back of the ship, they serve several differently topped pizzas all fresh from the oven.  This is great if you are in between activities and just need a little something at the moment.

24-Hour Ice Cream/Yogurt Station

On Carnival, they have an area that serves soft-serve ice cream or soft-serve yogurt 24-hours a day....cone or cup and sometimes they will put out an array of toppings.

                                                                                                                                                                                            24-Hour Room Service                    
If you don't feel like going out of the cabin, then order in.  Although the menu is significantly smaller than the offerings on the other decks, it is great to know you have this option.  Did I mention there is no additional cost for this?  But I recommend tipping the waitstaff that brings it to you.  Placing the order by cabin phone, I've never waited more than 15 minutes for food to arrive.

No shortage of food options or styles of dining.  Which is great if you are traveling with picky eaters or those that are more adventurous.  To think this is all included in your cruise package too!  What a deal!

How to Choose a Cruise Line?

So my last blog gave some thought to how to decide when to cruise, this one will provide insight as to which cruise line might be best for you.  It boils down to what you expect to experience and what atmosphere you fit into more comfortably.

1.  Family-oriented
There are certain cruise lines that have a strong reputation for being family-friendly.  Some cruise lines
choose to cater to those traveling as a family.  One obvious choice is Disney Cruise Lines with their full cast of characters and children's activities.  Other such as Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, and Holland also have an assortment of pools, slides, karaoke, arcade, video or interactive games.  Some still have the old stand-by air hockey, foosball, ping pong, darts, bowling, and putt-putt golf.  While others have advanced to rock climbing, ice skating, and waterfalls.  Most offer in-cabin or special area babysitting.  Most offer a variety of clubs based on age ranges.

2.  Senior Citizens/Retirees
If steering far from children is your preference, consider sailing when the kids are in school.  The cruise lines that cater to Senior Citizens or Retirees are:  Silversea, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, and Holland.  To enjoy lectures from celebrities of yesteryear, choose Celebrity.  For pottery, photography, and various lecture topics consider Princess.  They also offer wheelchair accessible cabins.  Silversea has fewer passengers (130-540) and cater to you in luxury with butler services.  Holland seems to offer the most with regular reminder announcements for meals and activities, fresh flower arrangements, soup/salad bars, cooking demos, art and antiques, and less of a nightlife.

3.  Fun, Fun, Fun
Carnival quickly rises to the top of the charts with a reputation for all out fun.  In fact that is part of its theme, tagline, and fleet reference "Fun Ships."  From the moment you step onto the ship until you leave, the crew has one goal in mind and that is for every passenger to simply have a really fun time. Imagine deck parties, dance clubs, game shows, scavenger hunts, and waitstaff that sing and dance during dinner.  Next on the list would be Royal Caribbean with its quest for the wow factor in providing activities to delight. They feature the skating rinks, rock climbing, talent shows, and the Dreamworks characters.

4.  Romantic/Honeymoon
Carnival offers some nice touches to enjoy if love and marriage are your focus.  Like several other cruise lines, they offer wedding packages aboard ship.  A boutique offering tuxedos for rent, chocolates, room decorations, champagne, flowers, strawberries, and more are available to add to the ambiance.  Princess gained fame as the Love Boat decades ago.  Aside from these purchased perks, you would be surprised at how easy it is to find the quaint, out of the way, spots on the ship where you can enjoy the sun rising or setting.  Or consider spa treatments for couples or late night dips in the Jacuzzi.  Snuggling up in the corner of a piano lounge caps off a day to remember.

5.  Budget-friendly

Those who have never cruised before might think that cruising is expensive.  But Carnival leads the pack in affordable cruises.  The best-priced cruises are usually those that are the shortest like 3-, 4-, and 5-night itineraries.  But sometimes it is finding that off-season sale or last minute attempt to fill a ship.  I have paid as little as $159 per person for a cruise.  Compared to road-trip or one destination travel, this is a great value when you consider your room, all meals, entertainment, beautiful ports of call, and a ship full activities are included.

6.  Luxury
Top of mind for luxury cruising goes to Cunard, Seabourn, Crystal, Oceania, Windstar, and Silversea.  From white gloves and silver trays to gold fixtures and brass, these vessels are decked out with accents that will dazzle you.  Orchestra music, Feng-Shui spas, unique and exotic itineraries, ballroom dancing, theatre, planetarium, and fencing are a sampling of the finer things in life.  You might even be surprised at how some luxury cruising doesn't come at luxury prices....but it might.

7.  Itinerary/Ports of Call/Length of Cruise
Rounding out the list of deciding which cruise line to choose is what your preference for itineraries or ports of call might be.  Shorter cruises may visit one or two ports fairly close to the port of departure.  This could be a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas, or 4-day cruise to Western Caribbean aka Mexico.  Longer cruises provide opportunities to explore more of the Caribbean (East and South), the Central America region, or even Alaskan territory.  Even longer cruises take you transatlantic, Panama Canal crossing, or Hawaiian island hopping.  The unique cruises are the re-positioning cruises because they stop at a variety of ports as the cruise line relocates a ship from the Bahamas to the Baja Mexico area or from Long Beach, California to Miami, Florida.  Then there are the European cruises or those among the majestic seas farther East.

What this boils down to is what you are in the mood for....or maybe you might want to try cruising once with each to help you decide which is your favorite.  (Shhh....I have mine!)

How to decide when to cruise

Deciding that you want to take a cruise but choosing "when" to sail depends on a few things.


1.  Are you looking for a colder or warmer climate than where you live?  Living in Michigan provides a calendar with four distinct seasons.  I happen to like the warmer climates.  So sailing in the Caribbean November through April offers me the chance to escape the cold.  If I lived in Arizona, I might consider taking an Alaskan cruise in July.


2.  Consider hurricane season when selecting your destination.  Although the ships will still sail during hurricane season, the rough waters and the possibility of a hurricane passing through may dampen your cruise.  Unless you are a thrill-seeker, I would recommend avoiding the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Panama area during the months of July through November.  Even if you don't actually encounter a hurricane, one of your destinations could be struck and that won't be pretty.

3.  Are your sailing dates flexible?  Most cruises are priced higher the week leading up to or just after a major holiday.  So if price is an issue, avoid these periods.  (That goes hand in hand with airfare too.)  The holiday weeks are also when the ship has the most passengers.  Most school breaks are around holidays so you will notice more kids aboard then too.  Although the ships are quite large, you will notice longer waits in food lines; less choice seating at the shows; the casino is more crowded as will be the pool areas, arcade, and just about everywhere else.


4.  Do you need to request vacation time well in advance or can you sail at a moment's notice?  Rather than sail ships that are less than full, some cruise lines offer special pricing the closer it gets to a cruise date.  Past guests are usually notified of specials prior to the general public, so you also pick up a great deal this way too...if you can respond quickly.

5.  Maybe pricing isn't an issue for you but going on a cruise instead of spending the holidays with family sounds better?  Almost all the cruise lines have special events, parties, or themed activities that coincide with the holidays.  Those can offer a different experience than a normal cruise.


6.  Looking for celebrities?  Carnival is becoming known for cruises that feature certain celebrities.  Royal Caribbean and Norwegian recently got in on the act (no pun intended).  Some that have occurred or are planned include: musical performers such as Kid Rock, Brett Michaels, Kiss, Motley Crue, New Kids on the Block, R Kelly, Beatles Tribute, or Motown talent.  Even comedians Lewis Black and Kathleen Madigan created a wave of laughter on their cruise. On the rise are sailings with popular Chefs.  These are becoming very popular because of the daily exclusive concerts, sing-a-longs, impromptu performances, and meet n greets you can experience.


7.  Planning a special occasion?  If you are getting married and want to honeymoon on a cruise, consider all of the above.  Celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, invite the family to join you and turn it into a real party!