This is the first post of a two week series on what to expect when you cruise
DOCUMENTS
When your documents arrive be sure to check them over very carefully. Make sure that all of the information is correct and fill out any paperwork that is required. Make sure you have your valid passport, or valid copy of birth certificate and photo ID. Passport expiration dates must be at least six months after your return date. Documents will also include information about appropriate clothing for the climate you are visiting and what is acceptable for dining and other onboard activities. The documents will also advise you which on-board nights are formal, semi-formal or casual.
AT THE PORT
Boarding a ship is similar to boarding an airplane. You may wait in line before you reach the check-in counter where you will check your luggage and provide your birth certificate and photo ID or valid passport. Then you will be invited to board.
BOARDING
Boarding a ship for the first time, or the tenth, is one of the most exciting moments of a cruise. Sailing away is another one! A crew member will escort you to your cabin. Do not be surprised if your luggage is not in your cabin. It will show up. There will be an envelope in your stateroom with your dining table and seating. If you would like to change either assignment, take the envelope with you and speak to the maitre'd in the dining room. Otherwise, memorize the number so you will know which table to ask the dining room escort to take you to at dinner.
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE SHIP
After you get settled in your stateroom, it's time to tour the ship. Check out the excursions offered during the week at the Shore Excursion Desk, located near the purser's desk. If you see something you really want to do, reserve your spot! It may fill up later and you could miss out.
While you're in the lobby area of the ship, follow the ship's instructions and open your onboard account. Purchases onboard can't occur without this. Most ships run on a cash-less system except in the casino, which is cash-only. This is very liberating, especially when you are spending your day in a swimsuit! Simply bring a credit card, or post an amount of cash to the cashier after you board the ship. From then on, you will use your room key to pay for anything you purchase on the ship whether it's drinks, excursions, souvenirs, massages. You can check on the amount you have spent anytime during the cruise and a summary of your charges will be put under your door on the last night of the cruise. Be sure to review it carefully and report any errors immediately.
The first time you wander the ship is a memorable experience. You won't believe this will be your home for your entire vacation!
LIFEJACKET DRILL
There are two events on a cruise that most people wish did not have to happen. They are the lifejacket drill, and disembarking (more on that later.)! The lifejacket drill, sometimes referred to as the "muster drill", is important and is for your safety. The Coast Guard requires this drill to take place within 24 hours of sailing. On the day you board, there will be information about where to meet when the lifejacket drill horn is blown. When the horn blows seven times, everyone must get their lifejacket and go to their assigned muster station and put on their lifejacket. Crew members will be there to help and each passenger must be checked off of a list before the drill is over. Bring your camera to the drill and use this great opportunity to get pictures of friends and family wearing a huge orange vest!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Travel tips for seniors
All travelers should plan carefully to ensure their health and safety while away. However, older people have a few extra concerns.
Pre-trip planning
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your travel agent for suggestions. For example, many tour operators specialize in accommodating the needs of travelling seniors.
•Find out about the medical facilities in the areas you will be visiting.
•Research important factors such as climate, language and culture. Buy a guide book and read it before you go.
•Make arrangements for wheelchairs, guide dogs and seating needs well in advance.
•Organize travel insurance with pre-existing illness coveager if needed.
•If you are concerned about your health, arrange to go on a package tour.
Reciprocal health care agreements
Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with some countries, which means emergency care is available. Non-emergency health care is only offered if delaying medical attention until returning home is unreasonable. Check with Medicare for an up-to-date list of countries participating in reciprocal health care agreements. Remember that travel health insurance is still needed.
Pre-trip medical check-ups
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your doctor for a complete medical check-up. This is especially important if you have coronary heart disease, hypertension or any other chronic condition, or if you have recently undergone surgery or experienced a heart attack.
•Discuss any particular health concerns you may have, such as dietary changes and the possible impact of different eating habits on your specific condition.
•People with diabetes will need medical advice on how to safely stagger their medications to fit a different time zone.
•Consider having your flu and pneumonia vaccinations before you go on your trip.
•If you intend travelling to areas where infectious diseases are present, make sure you are fully vaccinated.
•Visit your dentist for a check-up.
•Visit any other health care providers you consult with on a regular basis, such as your optometrist.
Contact Donna for all your travel arrangments: www.dmttravel.com
Pre-trip planning
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your travel agent for suggestions. For example, many tour operators specialize in accommodating the needs of travelling seniors.
•Find out about the medical facilities in the areas you will be visiting.
•Research important factors such as climate, language and culture. Buy a guide book and read it before you go.
•Make arrangements for wheelchairs, guide dogs and seating needs well in advance.
•Organize travel insurance with pre-existing illness coveager if needed.
•If you are concerned about your health, arrange to go on a package tour.
Reciprocal health care agreements
Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with some countries, which means emergency care is available. Non-emergency health care is only offered if delaying medical attention until returning home is unreasonable. Check with Medicare for an up-to-date list of countries participating in reciprocal health care agreements. Remember that travel health insurance is still needed.
Pre-trip medical check-ups
Suggestions include:
•Consult with your doctor for a complete medical check-up. This is especially important if you have coronary heart disease, hypertension or any other chronic condition, or if you have recently undergone surgery or experienced a heart attack.
•Discuss any particular health concerns you may have, such as dietary changes and the possible impact of different eating habits on your specific condition.
•People with diabetes will need medical advice on how to safely stagger their medications to fit a different time zone.
•Consider having your flu and pneumonia vaccinations before you go on your trip.
•If you intend travelling to areas where infectious diseases are present, make sure you are fully vaccinated.
•Visit your dentist for a check-up.
•Visit any other health care providers you consult with on a regular basis, such as your optometrist.
Contact Donna for all your travel arrangments: www.dmttravel.com
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Clothing for Summer Travel to Europe
Your are heading to Europe this summer, and are afraid of looking like tacky tourists – what are the best ways to add some style but stay packable?
Fashion designers in this country always look to countries in Mediterranean Europe for their inspiration. From a European’s point of view we simply dress, while they dress with style. In fact, you may be stopped at the door of many fashionable places if you are not properly dressed. In this country we are noted more for a casual appearance that if worn abroad will draw attention and garner the label ‘tourist’.
To avoid this, start with a solid core of basic items in classic styles that can easily be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. These should be in neutral tones (khaki, olive, navy, grey). Reversible items are a good pick to lighten your load. Items that make the switch from casual daywear to elegant evening wear will give you the maximum versatility.
For Women
Choose dresses and skirts. Our Little Black Travel Dress can be worn casually during the day. Accessorize with a string of pearls or other jewelry, and you’re ready for an elegant evening out.
Despite its name, our Tropical Microfiber Blazer is a perfect choice for Mediterranean Europe, especially during the summer months as it can get very toasty there.
Choose comfortable shoes for walking, visiting museums, climbing around on ruins, etc.
Accessorize with jewelry, (costume Jewelry) scarves, hats and wraps.
For Men
Blazers/Sport Coats paired with complementary slacks. Under your blazer wear colored or striped collared shirts. Avoid white.
As far as casual attire, think “business casual.” Polo shirts paired with khakis etc. Avoid shorts.
In general, European men wear more fitted clothes. Leave those trendy, baggy, American styles at home.
Avoid baseball caps, especially worn backwards, running shoes or socks w/sandals. Look instead for stylish but comfortable walking shoes and accessories.
Fashion designers in this country always look to countries in Mediterranean Europe for their inspiration. From a European’s point of view we simply dress, while they dress with style. In fact, you may be stopped at the door of many fashionable places if you are not properly dressed. In this country we are noted more for a casual appearance that if worn abroad will draw attention and garner the label ‘tourist’.
To avoid this, start with a solid core of basic items in classic styles that can easily be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. These should be in neutral tones (khaki, olive, navy, grey). Reversible items are a good pick to lighten your load. Items that make the switch from casual daywear to elegant evening wear will give you the maximum versatility.
For Women
Choose dresses and skirts. Our Little Black Travel Dress can be worn casually during the day. Accessorize with a string of pearls or other jewelry, and you’re ready for an elegant evening out.
Despite its name, our Tropical Microfiber Blazer is a perfect choice for Mediterranean Europe, especially during the summer months as it can get very toasty there.
Choose comfortable shoes for walking, visiting museums, climbing around on ruins, etc.
Accessorize with jewelry, (costume Jewelry) scarves, hats and wraps.
For Men
Blazers/Sport Coats paired with complementary slacks. Under your blazer wear colored or striped collared shirts. Avoid white.
As far as casual attire, think “business casual.” Polo shirts paired with khakis etc. Avoid shorts.
In general, European men wear more fitted clothes. Leave those trendy, baggy, American styles at home.
Avoid baseball caps, especially worn backwards, running shoes or socks w/sandals. Look instead for stylish but comfortable walking shoes and accessories.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What types of fabrics travel best for hot weather?
What types of fabrics travel best for hot weather?
Coolmax® is one of my favorites for steamy climates. If you were to use one word to describe Coolmax® it would be wicking. The next generation polyester fabric created by Dupont wicks moisture or perspiration from your body and dispenses it to the outside world helping to keep you cooler. The fabric has a cottony feel, is very wrinkle resistant, and when laundered dries in a flash. On a recent trip I laundered both cotton and Coolmax® tees at the same time. The Coolmax® items dried overnight while the cottons remained there and are probably still wet.
Tropical Microfiber is another great choice for hot weather travels. With several lightweight suiting options, these travelers are made from a silky, super fine filament giving a durable fabric with soft drape as well as excellent wrinkle resistance.
Natural Fibers such as cotton, silk, rayon and linen are naturally cool, breathable and easy to care for. To lend extra travel savvy, often they blend natural fibers with other fibers to gain wrinkle resistance and durability.
Sun Protective Fabrics offer extra protection from the sun with tighter weaves, UPF resistant finishes and linings. Some Supplex Nylons, due to the tightness of the weave actually have built-in protection from the suns burning rays. A typical cotton tee for example is rated UPF8 (UPF=Ultraviolet Protection Factor), indicating that you can be out in the sun 8X longer than without protection. Special protective garments may have protection as high as 40-50 UPF.
Coolmax® is one of my favorites for steamy climates. If you were to use one word to describe Coolmax® it would be wicking. The next generation polyester fabric created by Dupont wicks moisture or perspiration from your body and dispenses it to the outside world helping to keep you cooler. The fabric has a cottony feel, is very wrinkle resistant, and when laundered dries in a flash. On a recent trip I laundered both cotton and Coolmax® tees at the same time. The Coolmax® items dried overnight while the cottons remained there and are probably still wet.
Tropical Microfiber is another great choice for hot weather travels. With several lightweight suiting options, these travelers are made from a silky, super fine filament giving a durable fabric with soft drape as well as excellent wrinkle resistance.
Natural Fibers such as cotton, silk, rayon and linen are naturally cool, breathable and easy to care for. To lend extra travel savvy, often they blend natural fibers with other fibers to gain wrinkle resistance and durability.
Sun Protective Fabrics offer extra protection from the sun with tighter weaves, UPF resistant finishes and linings. Some Supplex Nylons, due to the tightness of the weave actually have built-in protection from the suns burning rays. A typical cotton tee for example is rated UPF8 (UPF=Ultraviolet Protection Factor), indicating that you can be out in the sun 8X longer than without protection. Special protective garments may have protection as high as 40-50 UPF.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The U.S. Dollar and Travel
The U.S. Dollar and Travel
Fortunately, there are still safe havens out there — countries where our currency and the host country’s currency move in lockstep. In two cases, our dollars are the actual currency, so you don’t even have to visit an exchange booth. Here are five destinations where your costs should be stable no matter when you arrive.
Panama
Panama has been using the U.S. dollar as its own for more than 100 years. As I noted in this longer article about travel in Panama, prices are lower here than in neighboring Costa Rica, but many of the reasons for visiting are similar. If you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife buff, an adventure traveler, or someone who loves to sail and go island hopping, Panama will keep you occupied for weeks.
Ecuador
Ecuador also uses the dollar as its own currency. The land best known as the home of the Galapagos Islands has a lot more to offer, with the Andes Mountains, thick rainforest jungle, and some bargain-priced beach resorts. Ecuador gets its name from the equator passing through, but much of it is not all that hot because of altitude: this is the one spot where you can find snow on the equator-on Volcán Cayambe at nearly 19,000 feet. The historic center of capital city Quito has gotten a major makeover in the past few years and is also worth a visit.
Belize
The exchange rate with Belize never budges much beyond a range of 1.97 to 2.05. In other words, its 2 Belize dollars for every 1 American dollar, give or take a couple pennies. You don’t have to take a time machine to get a lot for your dollars here, whether you want to scuba dive, snorkel, sail, lie on a beach, or explore the jungle interior.
Caribbean and Atlantic Islands
As many cruise ship passengers have learned, there are several Caribbean islands and clusters of islands that peg their currency to the greenback. Barbados’ currency trades at a stable 2 to 1 with the dollar, while in the Bahamas or Bermuda you can use their dollars or your own—the value is the same. The exchange rate is stable in Turks & Caicos and the British Virgin Islands, and of course the U.S. dollar is the principal currency in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This doesn’t mean you’ll find bargains galore in all these locations, but you can feel secure that prices won’t suddenly rise because of an exchange rate change.
Argentina
This is an example that may not stand the test of time, but since 2003 the Argentine currency has moved in a narrow range of around 3 pesos to 1 U.S. dollar. Before the massive economic crisis that hit the country at the beginning of the decade, it was 1 to 1 and it’s certainly possible things will change again in the future. For now though, even though inflation is high and prices aren’t as low as they were a few years ago, Argentina is a relative bargain and Buenos Aires is the best substitute for a visit to a European cit
All of the above destinations are in this hemisphere, places where you can frequently find reasonable flight or package deals and you won’t have to worry about jet lag. If you want to go further, Hong Kong, Guam, Saipan, Jordan, and Dubai all have currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Of course, it’s important to look at the full range of actual costs for what you are planning to do. Belize is less expensive than most islands in the Caribbean, while Panama and Ecuador are true bargains when it comes to food and transportation. Rises in fuel and grain prices are driving up costs everywhere around the world though, wherever you are heading, so always assume prices you’ve read about will probably be higher when you arrive.
But if you’re going to an inexpensive place that’s already a good deal, such as these and other greenback deals around the world, it’s much easier to budget and live large without breaking the bank.
If you live in Europe and have been getting paid in euros, forget all of this advice and go anywhere: your currency is at the top of the heap right now. Take advantage of it! As we Americans have painfully found good times don’t last forever.
For Currency Conversion visit www.dmttravel.com, click on services.
Fortunately, there are still safe havens out there — countries where our currency and the host country’s currency move in lockstep. In two cases, our dollars are the actual currency, so you don’t even have to visit an exchange booth. Here are five destinations where your costs should be stable no matter when you arrive.
Panama
Panama has been using the U.S. dollar as its own for more than 100 years. As I noted in this longer article about travel in Panama, prices are lower here than in neighboring Costa Rica, but many of the reasons for visiting are similar. If you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife buff, an adventure traveler, or someone who loves to sail and go island hopping, Panama will keep you occupied for weeks.
Ecuador
Ecuador also uses the dollar as its own currency. The land best known as the home of the Galapagos Islands has a lot more to offer, with the Andes Mountains, thick rainforest jungle, and some bargain-priced beach resorts. Ecuador gets its name from the equator passing through, but much of it is not all that hot because of altitude: this is the one spot where you can find snow on the equator-on Volcán Cayambe at nearly 19,000 feet. The historic center of capital city Quito has gotten a major makeover in the past few years and is also worth a visit.
Belize
The exchange rate with Belize never budges much beyond a range of 1.97 to 2.05. In other words, its 2 Belize dollars for every 1 American dollar, give or take a couple pennies. You don’t have to take a time machine to get a lot for your dollars here, whether you want to scuba dive, snorkel, sail, lie on a beach, or explore the jungle interior.
Caribbean and Atlantic Islands
As many cruise ship passengers have learned, there are several Caribbean islands and clusters of islands that peg their currency to the greenback. Barbados’ currency trades at a stable 2 to 1 with the dollar, while in the Bahamas or Bermuda you can use their dollars or your own—the value is the same. The exchange rate is stable in Turks & Caicos and the British Virgin Islands, and of course the U.S. dollar is the principal currency in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This doesn’t mean you’ll find bargains galore in all these locations, but you can feel secure that prices won’t suddenly rise because of an exchange rate change.
Argentina
This is an example that may not stand the test of time, but since 2003 the Argentine currency has moved in a narrow range of around 3 pesos to 1 U.S. dollar. Before the massive economic crisis that hit the country at the beginning of the decade, it was 1 to 1 and it’s certainly possible things will change again in the future. For now though, even though inflation is high and prices aren’t as low as they were a few years ago, Argentina is a relative bargain and Buenos Aires is the best substitute for a visit to a European cit
All of the above destinations are in this hemisphere, places where you can frequently find reasonable flight or package deals and you won’t have to worry about jet lag. If you want to go further, Hong Kong, Guam, Saipan, Jordan, and Dubai all have currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Of course, it’s important to look at the full range of actual costs for what you are planning to do. Belize is less expensive than most islands in the Caribbean, while Panama and Ecuador are true bargains when it comes to food and transportation. Rises in fuel and grain prices are driving up costs everywhere around the world though, wherever you are heading, so always assume prices you’ve read about will probably be higher when you arrive.
But if you’re going to an inexpensive place that’s already a good deal, such as these and other greenback deals around the world, it’s much easier to budget and live large without breaking the bank.
If you live in Europe and have been getting paid in euros, forget all of this advice and go anywhere: your currency is at the top of the heap right now. Take advantage of it! As we Americans have painfully found good times don’t last forever.
For Currency Conversion visit www.dmttravel.com, click on services.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Vacation Preperation
1. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
2. Be sure and call your Credit Card Companies and tell them the dates and the destinations of your vacation.
3. You might want to go to your bank and get some currency before your trip. You should be able to get some at the airport but that would be just one more thing to have to do then, and I think you would get a better deal from your bank.
4. Make sure and make a copy of your passport, carry that copy in your carry-on.
Also leave a copy with your travel agent or a family member.
5. Make a copy of your itinerary and place it inside your checked luggage, right on top. That way if your luggage happens to get misplaced the airlines will have the information needed to forward it to you.
Also leave a copy of your itinerary home with a family member or friend.
Another thing to consider is for you to share suitcases. Each pack half your clothes in the others suitcase.
That way if one losses their luggage you at least have something to wear until your bags show up.
If by some chance your luggage is not there, go directly to the claims center and let them know. If you are going to be greeted by a tour guide be sure and tell them also .Then call your Travel Insurance Company!
6. Be sure and have any medication, camera, jewelry (I would not even take any jewelry) in your carry-on. Do not pack these things in your checked bags. AND DO NOT PACK ANY CASH, TRAVELERS CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS.
To Purchase Your Travel Insurance contact Donna at www.dmttravel.com
1. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
2. Be sure and call your Credit Card Companies and tell them the dates and the destinations of your vacation.
3. You might want to go to your bank and get some currency before your trip. You should be able to get some at the airport but that would be just one more thing to have to do then, and I think you would get a better deal from your bank.
4. Make sure and make a copy of your passport, carry that copy in your carry-on.
Also leave a copy with your travel agent or a family member.
5. Make a copy of your itinerary and place it inside your checked luggage, right on top. That way if your luggage happens to get misplaced the airlines will have the information needed to forward it to you.
Also leave a copy of your itinerary home with a family member or friend.
Another thing to consider is for you to share suitcases. Each pack half your clothes in the others suitcase.
That way if one losses their luggage you at least have something to wear until your bags show up.
If by some chance your luggage is not there, go directly to the claims center and let them know. If you are going to be greeted by a tour guide be sure and tell them also .Then call your Travel Insurance Company!
6. Be sure and have any medication, camera, jewelry (I would not even take any jewelry) in your carry-on. Do not pack these things in your checked bags. AND DO NOT PACK ANY CASH, TRAVELERS CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS.
To Purchase Your Travel Insurance contact Donna at www.dmttravel.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Hurricane Season
Peak hurricane season, which runs between August and October in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the U.S. south Atlantic coast, is certainly nothing to take lightly. Most every year you can see a fair bit of storm activity: according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), on the average there will be 14 to 18 storms, with winds of at least 40 mph, will be generated. Seven to 10 of these storms may be hurricanes, with winds of 75 mph.
Still, the lure of these warm-weather destinations, especially during the off-season, can be hard to resist. Crowds are thin, prices are excellent, perks—like free meals and spa treatments—are numerous, and very often, the weather winds up being perfectly fine (if slightly more humid than in high-season months). So, the question is: are there ways to “hurricane-proof” a vacation—to minimize the chances that a storm will ruin a low-season trip to the tropics?
Indeed there are—although most of the tricks for lessening hurricane risks require some research on the traveler’s part. The Internet can be an indispensable tool for scoping out predicted weather patterns, for example, or for comparing the hurricane policies of different hotels, tour groups, and airlines. Booking accommodations and flights with companies that offer hurricane guarantees (most often in the form of penalty-free rebooking) is a good way to safeguard a vacation; so is shopping around for and purchasing traveler’s insurance (the further in advance, the better).
Still, the lure of these warm-weather destinations, especially during the off-season, can be hard to resist. Crowds are thin, prices are excellent, perks—like free meals and spa treatments—are numerous, and very often, the weather winds up being perfectly fine (if slightly more humid than in high-season months). So, the question is: are there ways to “hurricane-proof” a vacation—to minimize the chances that a storm will ruin a low-season trip to the tropics?
Indeed there are—although most of the tricks for lessening hurricane risks require some research on the traveler’s part. The Internet can be an indispensable tool for scoping out predicted weather patterns, for example, or for comparing the hurricane policies of different hotels, tour groups, and airlines. Booking accommodations and flights with companies that offer hurricane guarantees (most often in the form of penalty-free rebooking) is a good way to safeguard a vacation; so is shopping around for and purchasing traveler’s insurance (the further in advance, the better).
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