Try These Tips Before Planning that Family Trip Abroad

The family summer vacation has ended, but many families have started thinking about those family trips for the next year.  If your family is like many this year, you may be thinking of taking your family on a trip outside of the United States.  Whether you thinking of taking your kids for their first cruise, or you want to take your teens to Europe to experience their heritage; here are some tips on how to provide their kids a global perspective in preparation for traveling abroad.

1. Start Travel Early

Some people will tell you that you should wait to travel with kids until they're old enough to remember.  I do not agree, and think there's value that comes from your ability to expose them to travel at an early age. You're affected, and they're affected.  Go!


2. Expose Kids to Similar Cultures but Different Places

My husband and I made sure our first trips with the kids were to places we felt comfortable.  North America and even the Caribbean are easy stops where you'll find many of the things you're use to at home.  Those early trips helped us understand what their fears and curiosities were about travel, so that when we went further, everyone in the family was prepared and excited to go!

3. Encourage Teachable Moments

Talk your kids about places when you're at home.  Is Asia in the news?  Is their class talking about Roman history?  That's a great opportunity to look at these places together on Google and expose them to the possibility of seeing these places in real life.


4. Search for Family-Friendly Experiences

Not everyone will love your kids like you do.  You will more likely run into situations where you feel as though your family is less than welcome.  Roll with it.  Seek out people and places who feel differently and chalk it up to experience.  Also research and using a travel professional to help you plan places to travel will alleviate many of these situations and make the trip more enjoyable.  There are many places on the planet that will be more than welcoming.


5. Be Willing to Explore Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Remember that the things that you may have heard about how dangerous a place is may completely disappear the closer you get to that destination.  Don't let the news scare you away from somewhere before you have had a chance to do your own research.

Cruising Declared Cool !!

Think that sailing a large mass market is not for you, well it may well not be if you sail in a regular balcony cabin. Royal Caribbean is changing this with their Royal Suite class and the top level of that is the Star Class suites with amenities that will leave you with hardly any charges on your ship board account. Harper's Bazaar featured an article by a couple who probably wouldn't be caught dead on this type of ship, who now after sailing in a Star Class Suite, Cruising is Chic again. Of course they sailed on the Anthem of the Seas out of the New York City area. 10 Reasons Cruising is Chic Again.

The Star Class suites are only on the Anthem, Oasis, Allure and Harmony of the Seas. Anthem of the Seas as featured sails out of Cape Liberty,NJ(just across the river from NYC)  seasonally to Bermuda, Canada/New England and the Caribbean.

Allure and Oasis of the Seas sail out of Fort Lauderdale, FL year round. The Oasis will move to Port Canaveral, FL in the fall when the new Harmony of the Seas arrives after spending her 1st summer sailing in Europe.

Ready to be pampered in a Star Class Suite?

Autumn: The Perfect Season For a Getaway

Autumn is a fantastic season to travel.  With the kids back in school and the buzz of summer crowds dying down, many of the most popular vacation spots are quieter and less expensive after Labor Day.  In many parts of the world, fall weather can be just as nice as summer-if not better!  While the "fall colors" are a main attraction for autumn travel; the wonderful seasonal holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving provide a great backdrop for your fall vacation.  Here are some of the best destinations of the season to experience everything from an authentic Italian lifestyle experience , to a great beach destination, to a great place to see the trees change colors, while enjoying mild weather for hiking and mountain biking.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is one of Italy's most popular destinations, known for its charming medieval hill towns, rolling vineyards, Renaissance art, and of course, the gorgeous city of Florence.  In the summer, tourists flock to this northern Italian region, so come in the fall to experience Tuscany like a local.

San Diego, CA

In Southern California, autumn weather is wonderfully warm and sunny-often just as beautiful as summer weather.  Visit San Diego County for its wonderful swimming beaches, adorable surf towns, and world-class Mexican cuisine-and don't forget to visit the world famous San Diego Zoo, often less crowded during the fall.

Hawaii, the Big Island

Every season is beautiful on Hawaii's largest and most dramatic isle.  In the fall, you can watch lava flow into the sea at Volcanoes National Park, stroll on black-sand beaches during the sunset, or hike through the tropical rain forests that blanket the island, without the rush of summer crowds.

The Changing Colors

Of course for many, the main reason to travel is to experience the fall foliage; and here are some the the best locations to really experience the best of the season.  For tradition; no where can compete with the vibrant colors of New England's autumn season reflected in the the placid waters  of Lake Champlain in Vermont.  The Famous mountain range of the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina offers spectacular fall colors that makes a seasonal trip unforgettable.

For someplace different, take a look at Telluride, CO.  This mountain town is known for abundant outdoor activities, from downhill skiing to mountain biking.  It's also a fantastic place to see fall foliage, as the leaves of the San Juan Mountains turn vibrant shades of orange yellow and gold.  Enjoy the great outdoors with spectacular hikes and alpine scenery in a great western setting.

Being a Smarter International Traveler

There is nothing more fascinating than traveling to another country and experiencing a different culture, language, food and scenery. I have been fortunate to be able to travel abroad for over forty years, and I am still trilled with each trip.  International travel can be a great experience, but there are things you should know before planning a trip.  Here are some of the more important things you need to consider:

Personal Safety
Although I have never had an issue during my travels, there are a few basic rules you should follow when you are out of the country.  Americans, and tourists in general, are normally very well received in most countries, but remember, there are still issues in some parts of the world.  Before travelling overseas, be sure to first check the US State Department Travel Warnings website for any travel alerts or warnings.  Its best to heed any warnings that may have been posted as this list is updated on a regular basis.  Even if you are traveling to a country not on the list, you should always stay alert and it's best if you stay in groups.  Be respectful to folks and their culture as it may be very different from what you're use to.

Travel Documents and Passports
Passports are absolutely required for overseas travel.  If your planning a trip, be aware that it can take as much as 6 weeks to receive a new passport.  Along with a passport, you may need to obtain a travel visa, depending on the country you are visiting.

Driving in Foreign Countries
The laws in many countries for driving are very different from the USA.  I find driving to be one of more difficult things to do when I travel.  Several countries drive on the left side, which can be quite daunting if you're not use to it.  I also found, in much of Europe, the town roads where much smaller and less forgiving than in the USA.  They also don't offer automatic transmissions in much of the rest of the world.  Unless you are comfortable with these differences I suggest you consider other modes of transportation.  You will find public rail transportation in many countries is fast and comfortable and will get you everywhere you want to go.

Travel Insurance
You will find that the medical care provided in other countries can be quite different from what you are use to in the USA.  This is especially so when you travel to less westernized countries with very poor medical services.  If you find yourself in an emergency medical situation, you will most likely want to be air-evacuated back to a hospital in the USA.  As you can imagine, the cost of this service can be very expensive.  It is advised that you buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation or delay, lost luggage and especially medical expenses and emergency evacuation. My family never travels overseas without a policy.

Money Matters
There are many different currencies used throughout the world and the exchange rates change about every minute or two.  In the past, I would have recommended you use your credit card or debit cards when traveling as they normally offered the best exchange rates and were easy and safe to use.  ATM's in foreign countries generally accept your debit card and will dispense cash in their currency.  Your bank applies the exchange rate once it hits your account.  These days banks are charging more fees for these services, making them less appealing than before.  If you decide not to use your cards, I recommend taking travelers checks and exchanging them at your hotel or local exchange centers once in country.  It's also a good idea to exchange at least some money at the airport prior to boarding your overseas flight.  These companies charge higher fees but it's helpful to have some money when you get there for taxis.

Best Autumn Cruise Destinations

With crisp air, cool temperatures and brilliant foliage on display, autumn is an ideal time for a cruise.  The stretch between summer and winter affords relatively crowd-free ports and fewer passengers on board (kids are back in school), translating to plenty of opportunities to commune with nature.  Best of all, many repositioning cruises - ships crossing from one region of the world to another - offer reduced rates and longer itineraries.  So, if you're one of the millions of passengers planning to cruise in the next year, fall is an ideal time to take in striking backdrops and score significant savings.  To help you decide which sailing is right for you, here are my recommendations for top autumn cruise destinations.

New England and Canada

Every fall, vibrant seasonal hues color coastal cities across new England and Canada.  And a number of cruise companies offer trips to foliage-rich locales like Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine, Quebec City and Montreal.  Apart from scenic drives in seaport towns, many large and small ships, including those within Holland America, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruise fleets, also provide the chance to sample local New England cuisine (think fresh Maine lobster).  To help pinpoint the best coastal cruise for you, peruse itineraries that deliver a high off-season value and ample opportunities for fall leaf peeping.

Alaska

Alaska is known for its jaw=dropping scenery: Calving glaciers, snow-capped peaks and majestic fjords snake along quaint towns and villages.  And in September, the waters teem with humpback whales and sea lions.  Many large ships, such as those within Princess Cruises and Holland America fleets, offer travelers the chance to explore the inside Passage with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and Victoria, British Columbia.  Smaller cruise ships, such as those operated by Un-Cruise Adventures, also navigate the inside Passage of Southeast Alaska, with home ports in Katchikan, Juneau and Sitka.  Many cruise lines also offer voyages to the narrower Gulf of Alaska passage, taking passengers from Vancouver to Anchorage (or vice versa), making stops in hard-to-reach ports like Hubbard Glacier and Collage Fjord.  Though both routes offer ample nature-viewing opportunities, the latter tends to lure those in pursuit of more immersive offshore experiences and face-to-face wildlife encounters.

The Caribbean

Caribbean-bound cruises offer significant deals during the fall sailing season.  But there's one caveat: Your trip runs the risk of being impacted by weather-related interruptions until hurricane season ends in late November.  To protect yourself against unforeseen weather delays, purchase travel insurance and confirm that your insurance and confirm  that your insurance provider covers trip interruptions.  Should you decide to take your chances, last-minute sales; especially for journeys departing in October and November are aplenty.  Behemoth lines like Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line operate in the Caribbean year-round, often affording excellent savings in the off-season.  Shorter four or five day sailings aboard these lines can also yield steep discounts.

Transatlantic Repositioning Cruises

In the off-season. many ships depart from one part of the world and finish in another in what's known as "repositioning" sailings.  These trips, which typically take place in the spring or the fall, often provide deep discounts and more days at sea than regional cruises.  Popular journeys include transatlantic crossings from Europe, sailings across the pacific from Hawaii to California, Caribbean-bound voyages from California and departures from the Caribbean to the Panama Canal.  Many megaship and smaller cruise ship lines - including Norwegian, Celebrity and Oceania Cruises - offer fall repositioning cruises with varying departure and disembarkation ports that fit a wide range of budgets.

Tips for Seniors Planning a Cruise

It's no secret that cruises appeal to retirees.  In fact, some travelers still subscribe to the notion that vacations at sea are exclusively for the "newlywed and nearly dead."  While that characterization may have been true several decades ago, today's cruise lines attract just about every type of traveler and appeal to various interests.  Whether you want to sail solo, with several generations of family members or even with Kid Rock fans, there's a cruise for you.  So what does this diversification mean for the 50 plus crowd, the industry's largest demographic?  It means retirees have more options than ever before, with onboard activities that range from wine tastings, to tango lessons, to doing a rope course high above the ship.  But while sedentary games of bingo may be anything of the past, there is one aspect that hasn't changed: the extra steps retirees have to take when planning a cruise.  From selecting the right itinerary to staying healthy at sea, here are some ideas every senior traveler should know before setting sail.


Find a Ship Size that Fits You
A ship's size can be a key indicator of what the onboard vibe will be like.  For instance, megaships for lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line carry between 2000 and 6000 passengers and boast a bevy of amenities like water parks, rock climbing walls and Broadway-style entertainment.  Thanks to their activities, these ships attract families.  But that doesn't mean these cruises neglect the needs of their 50+ passengers: because some of the ships in this category are so large, they're able to offer designated adults-only areas on board.  If you're planning a big family vacation, this may sound like the perfect balance.  But if the sheer size of the ship, or the number of kids have you concerned, a mid sized ship may be  a better fit for you.  Midsize ships, which typically carry 1000 to 2500 passengers,don't wow with copious amenities and instead focus on providing a more intimate environment.  And then there are the small ships.  These ships generally carry fewer than 1200 passengers and dazzle not with their over-the-top amenities, but with their low passenger to crew ratios, fine dining and more diverse port offerings.  Look into sailings by Oceania, Azamara Club Cruises, or Regent Seven Seas Cruises if you prefer the amenities and personalized service provided by smaller ships.


Choose Your Itinerary Wisely
This rule doesn't just apply to seniors, but it's especially important for retires since the itinerary can set the tone for the entire cruise.  For instance, Caribbean itineraries tend to be shorter and less expensive, and are known to attract a large percentage of young families and couples.  Some Caribbean itineraries are also known to host lively and rowdy deck parties.  If that is not for you, then steer clear of these sailings.  Aside from ship atmosphere and your fellow travelers, Caribbean cruises rend to offer more active shore excursions.  That is not to say that Caribbean cruises do not offer cultural enrichment or more relaxed excursions, but they may be fewer depending on the itinerary.  Different itineraries may offer what you want.  Want to relax on your balcony and enjoy spectacular scenery, you may want to consider a cruise to Alaska, or even a river cruise.  Loner cruises tend to focus more on enrichment (both on board and off) and may allow for more exploration in port.

Purchase Insurance
Cruise vacations can have complicated itineraries and sometimes just one misstep can derail the entire trip.  This is why many experts recommend opting for travel insurance, and not the kind provided by your cruise line, which can be limited in its coverage.  Though coverage can vary widely, most travel insurance policies will help you get reimbursed for canceled trips, or even assist you in rebooking your flights or lodging.  The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommends travelers consider purchasing three types of insurance: travel insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance.  These last two options are particularly important for seniors as they can provide coverage for unseen illness or injury during your trip.  And remember: you shouldn't assume your regular health insurance covers you while traveling.


Listen to Your Body
Its easy to overindulge at the buffet, imbibe in one too many cocktails at the martini bar or exhaust yourself while sightseeing.  When selecting your excursions, read the descriptions carefully - most cruise lines categorize excursions based on activity level, making it easy to choose one that suits you and your current health condition.  To avoid feeling ill or experiencing a trip-ending health setback, remember to take it easy - you're on a cruise, after all.

Top Cruise Ship Trends For 2016

The cruise industry is chugging ahead this year with an estimated 24 million passengers setting sail.  That's a significant jump from the 15 million passengers a decade ago, according to the Cruise Lines International Assn.

Twenty-seven new ocean, river and small ships will hit the water this year.  And it's no surprise that while the Caribbean is by far the top destination for cruisers, Australia and Asia are heating up.  Here are five of the top trends CruiseComplete says to look for in 2016.


1. U.S, River Cruises:  River cruising has exploded in Europe over the last few years, and now American rivers get their turn.  Viking River Cruises will be launching two ships in the Mississippi River starting in 2017, which means you will be able to buy tickets this year.  The ships will homeport in the French Quarter of New Orleans.  In all, Viking will roll out six new riverboats on the Mississippi over three years.

The line joins the Queen of the Mississippi operated by American Cruise Lines and two ships run by American Queen Steamboat Co. in offering cruises on the river.


2. Cuba By Ship:  With the thawing of US-Cuba relations and reopening of embassies, Americans have been flocking to the island nation.  But remember: Economic sanctions are still in place, so Americans still need to have an acceptable reason (people-to-people tours are the most common) to go.

You can take a seven-night cruise on on Crystal Cruises which travels along the West Coast of Cuba but doesn't land.  And this year Carnival Corp's Fathom brand will dip into the Cuba market with sailings from Miami aboard the small ship Adonia, which carries 710 passengers.


3. All-Inclusive Please: Regent  Seven Seas Cruises has led the way for years with all-inclusive sailings, and more lines are following suit.  Expect to see fewer out-of-pocket expenses and more included extras, such as premium beverages and shore excursions.


4. Make Room For Families: CruiseCompete reports that family cabins, such as Royal Caribbean's family junior suite, are always in high demand.  That particular one has three bedrooms and three bathrooms and sleeps eight.

Disney Cruise Line, which caters to kid fun and families, offers staterooms with bunk beds and foldout couches.  Also launching this summer, Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship, the Carnival Vista will offer the Family Harbor State room which will sleep up to 5 and can also be partitioned off.


5. Better Wi-Fi: Cruise lines will be upgrading and perfecting their Wi-Fi, but it won't necessarily be free(it is on Regent Seven Seas).  Royal Caribbean and Carnival in particular are stepping up their Wi-Fi connections.