If you plan to vacation or take some time off, you can find trustworthy pet care services such as professional pet sitting or pet boarding facilities. However, before picking either of these services, it’s important to consider your pet’s personality, medical requirements, and comfort level.

Professional Pet Sitters

Hiring a professional pet sitter can provide a personalized approach to pet care while on vacation. Unlike boarding facilities, pet sitters offer a unique service that allows your pets to remain in the comfort of their own home.

With regular visits, they can tend to your pets’ needs, including feeding, exercise, and companionship. This personalized care helps reduce stress and anxiety for your pets, as they can stay in their familiar environment.

Popular App-based Pet Care Options

• Rover
• Wag
• Fetch
• PetBacker

(Note: My friends turned me on to Rover, and I have used them ever since).

Professional pet sitters also go the extra mile by offering additional services that contribute to your pets’ overall well-being. They can help maintain the routine and provide comfort by bringing in your mail, watering plants, and even providing added security for your home.

Before entrusting your pets to a pet sitter, take the time to evaluate their credentials and experience. Ask for references from other satisfied clients to gain insight into their reputation and reliability. Communication is key, so provide clear instructions and discuss your pet’s needs and routines.

Boarding Facilities

When pet owners go on vacation, they often worry about the well-being of their furry friends. Thankfully, boarding facilities provide a safe and comfortable environment where pets can stay while their owners are away. These facilities offer various services, including pet boarding for dogs and cats, pet daycare, and overnight hotel options.

Some boarding facilities go above and beyond by offering additional services such as pet daycare. This allows pets to socialize and engage in supervised activities to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. For pet owners who want their furry friends to enjoy a bit of luxury, there are even pet hotels with amenities like cozy beds, play areas, and spa treatments.

Choosing the Right Boarding Facility

When selecting a boarding facility for your pet, it’s important to consider a few key factors. Take the time to visit the facility in person, ensuring that it meets your standards of cleanliness and maintenance. Please inquire about the qualifications and experience of the staff caring for your pet to ensure they have the necessary expertise.

Discuss the daily routine followed at the facility, including exercise options, to ensure your pet’s needs are met. If your pet has any special requirements, such as dietary restrictions or medical needs, communicate these to the boarding facility beforehand to ensure they can accommodate them.

Considerations when choosing a boarding facility	Yes	No
Facility cleanliness and maintenance
Qualifications and experience of staff
Daily routine and exercise options
Special requirements accommodation

Whether a short getaway or an extended trip, boarding facilities offer a home away from home for pets, ensuring their comfort, safety, and well-being.

Pet Sitter vs. Boarding: Choosing Pet Care Options

When deciding between a pet sitter and boarding facility for your furry friend, it’s important to consider various factors. Both options have advantages, depending on your pet’s needs and preferences. Let’s explore the key points to help you make an informed decision.

Pet Sitter: Personalized Care in Familiar Surroundings

A pet sitter provides personalized care for your pet in the familiar surroundings of your home. This option allows your pet to stay comfortable, reducing stress and anxiety. A pet sitter can visit your home regularly to feed, exercise, and spend quality time with your pet. Additionally, they can take care of other tasks, such as bringing in the mail and ensuring the security of your home.

Boarding Facility: 24/7 Supervision and Socialization Opportunities

A boarding facility offers a dedicated space for your pet, with staff available round-the-clock. This can be beneficial if your pet requires constant supervision or has special medical needs. Boarding facilities often provide socialization opportunities and structured exercise routines, ideal for pets who thrive on interaction and physical activity.

Factors	Pet Sitter	Boarding Facility
Personalized Care
Comfort of Familiar Surroundings
24/7 Supervision
Socialization Opportunities

Friends and Neighbors

Another option for pet care during your vacation is relying on friends or neighbors to care for your pets. This can be a cost-effective solution and provides the benefit of familiarity for your pets.

However, it’s important to ensure that the person caring for your pets is trustworthy, reliable, and knowledgeable about your pet’s needs.

During my recent trips, I have relied on my friends and neighbors to care for my dog and cat. It is convenient and gives me peace of mind, knowing that my pets are in the hands of people I trust. They know my pets’ routines, feeding schedules, and playtime preferences.

To ensure a smooth experience, I always provide them with detailed instructions. I write down the feeding schedules, medication administration guidelines, and emergency contact information clearly and concisely. This helps them follow my pet’s routine and address any potential issues.

Bringing Them with You: Traveling with Your Pets

Did you know that a cruise line lets you travel with your dog or cat? And I am not talking about service animals. Cunard Line has a kennel onboard its Queen Mary 2 cruise ship.

Do know that if you prefer to travel with your pets, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Researching pet-friendly accommodations that allow pets and making reservations in advance is crucial.

Not all destinations or establishments are pet-friendly, so checking in advance is always best. Look for pet-friendly accommodations that offer suitable amenities for your pets.

These may include designated pet areas, ample space for exercise and play, and even pet-sitting services if you need some alone time. Likewise, research local dog-friendly restaurants and cafes that will welcome your furry companion.

FAQ

Here are some fun facts and info about 7 popular Eastern Caribbean ports of call and dipping down to the Southern Caribbean. This is a list of the seven popular Eastern Caribbean cruise ports based on search results.

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico

First discovered by Christopher Columbus on November 19, 1493, he named the island San Juan Bautista (for St. John the Baptist). Even though he never returned to the island, San Juan us now the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico.

An actual island (connected to the main island by bridges), San Juan is famously known for El Moro, a 16th-century citadel which dates to 1540. Once used to protect the island from invaders, it’s now a National Historic Site administered by the National Park Service.

READ MORE: 5 Things to do in San Juan

You’ll also find the smallest house and largest rum distillery here. La Casa Estrecha (the Narrow House) on Calle Tetuán is only 5 feet wide, goes back 36 feet, and has 2 stories. Casa Bacardi is the largest rum distillery in the world. It’s so big that more than 70% of the rum sold in the United States comes from Puerto Rico.

2.  St. Thomas

Shopping isn’t a new pastime in St. Thomas; In 1607, the Jamestown settlers (yes, that Jamestown in Virginia) stopped in Charlotte Amalie on their way to Virginia to pick up supplies. Wonder if they also got a good deal from Diamonds International?

Christopher Columbus also discovered this island in 1493, on the way to Puerto Rico. In 1917, the United States purchased the U.S Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. Maybe that explains why you can find the best deals on gold and jewelry in this port.

READ MORE: Getting to Trunk Bay From Your Cruise Ship

Nicknamed Rock City, St. Thomas is only U.S. Territory to border both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. With all the water, this island is an oceanic playground with activities including kayaking, sport fishing, snorkeling, parasailing and kiteboarding.

Don’t want to wade into the water? You can take a ride around the island to check out the views or take a ride up the island in the Skyride to Paradise Point.

3. Amber Cove

Cruise ships may be new to the Dominican Republic’s $85 million dollar cruise port, but ships have been arriving in this area since Christopher Columbus discovered it in the 1490s aboard his flagship, the Santa Maria.

Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the Americas and the island of Hispaniola was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. The port area was also home to Fuerte de San Felipe, one of the first forts in the Americas. Now, it’s home to over 40 different excursion and adventure opportunities for ships in the Carnival Corporation family.

There isn’t a ton of shore excursions at this port of call. But you can still experience the Spanish colonial past of this area through different walking tours, museums and landmarks. You can swim with dolphins, zip lining or helicopter, saddle up a horse, wade into the water with a snorkel, kayak or paddleboard, swim up to the pool bar, slip down the water slides in the Aqua Zone, or just chill cabana side.

If you’re looking for some unique gifts, the Dominican Republic has two unique stones that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, Dominican Amber and Larimar. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, the island is also home to the lowest elevation in the Caribbean and the highest elevation in the region with Pico Duarte standing at 3,087 meters high.

This is a Carnival Corporation port of call so Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and other lines outside of the Carnival brand do not stop here.

4. Grand Turk

The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the third largest barrier coral reef in the world.  Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a perfect tropical climate year-round. They’re also known for playing a role in the Space Race; John Glenn splashed down in his capsule in the Atlantic, off the Turks and Caicos Islands during NASA’s Friendship 7 mission. If you want to stay at the beach, Jack’s Shack at Grand Turk is a popular local watering hole.

Read More: Jack’s Shack Grand Turk Review

Discovered in 1512 by  Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León, there are no lakes or rivers in Turks and Caicos. However, there are a lot of tourists, with approximately 70% arriving via a cruise ship. In fact, the Grand Turk Cruise Center can welcome up to 3 cruise ships a day to its 13 acres of sun, surf, shopping and the home to the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean.

If you want to do some shopping, this long British territory actually uses U.S. Dollars as their currency. No pounds needed.

5. St. Maarten

Which one is it – St. Maarten or St. Martin? It’s both. The names are used interchangeably because 2 countries share the island. The smallest island in the world (only 34 square miles in total size) is co-owned by the Netherlands and France. The French side is the Southern part of the Island while the Dutch side is the Northern part of the island.

Another Christopher Columbus discovery, this island is famous for its airport. The Princess Juliana Airport is located right next to Maho Beach and it’s one of the few places in the world where you can sunbathe on the beach while a massive airplanes hover perilously close overhead while coming in for a landing.

Foodies, this is your island! You’ll find food here influenced by European, Latin, North American and African cultures and tastes. Marigot offers up delectable and delicate French flavors while Simpson Bay dazzles your Dutch taste buds.

6. St. Kitts

The smallest sovereign state in the Americas, St. Kitts and Nevis was also discovered by Columbus. He named the island after his patron saint, St. Christopher, but it later became St. Kitts, which was his nickname. He named the other island Nieves, the Spanish word for snow. This island country has grown in recent years due to tourism growth, particularly that brought to town by cruise ships.

You won’t find snow on these islands, but you will find a volcanic mountain and chain, with both white and black sand beaches. One side of the island has white sand beaches, the other black sand ones. The black sand beaches trace their origins to the volcanic nature of the islands.

Looking for an unusual, local treat? Try the “goat water,” a stew made from the neck bones and meat of goats. And if you do, please let us know how it is!

7. Tortola

Guess who discovered Tortola in 1493? Yup, Christopher Columbus. He named these islands “Las Virgines” after the story of St Ursula and her virgin companions.” Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands, and was home to Blackbeard (the famous pirate) from 1715 to 1718.

One of Tortola’s most famous attractions isn’t actually on the island. Located an easy day trip on Virgin Gorda are the Baths. Grottos, saltwater pools, and a trail formed by huge granite borders create a magical, whimsical destination where you can swim, snorkel and explore the day away.

If you’re looking for some fun-in-the-sun, head over to Jost Van Dyke for the day, located a short ferry ride from Tortola.

On Tortola, you’ll find the smorgasbord of beaches, including Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Josiah’s Bay, and Lambert beach. There are also historical sites to tour and plenty of water activities.

In 2017, the islands were devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and are still working to rebuild and regain tourism.

Have you visited any of these popular ports? What other fun facts do you know about these islands?

Two Different Types Of Onboard Credit

• Refundable: Any unspent portion will be returned to you via your original payment method, or a check from the cruise line, within 30 days.
• Non-refundable: Any unspent non-refundable credit does not get returned.

Generally speaking, onboard credit (or OBC for short) can be used for nearly any purchase you make while on the ship — although it’s important to note that there are exceptions which vary from line to line. OBC is subject to terms and conditions, and sometimes restrictions may apply.

How To Get Onboard Credit

Now, it shouldn’t surprise you that the cruise lines don’t necessarily want to hand cash, refundable or otherwise, over to you. After all, if you don’t have OBC on your account, then every time you go to a specialty restaurant or make a purchase in a gift shop on the ship, they’re making money.

And one of the big ways in which cruise lines are boosting their bottom line is with a focus on what they call “onboard spending.”

Translation: The more they can get you to spend on the ship, the less you will spend anywhere else.

While your OBC can generally be used in the ship’s restaurants, shops, and even casino, there are a few places it can’t be applied. For example, if you wind up having to visit the ship’s medical center, your OBC generally can’t be applied to the infirmary bill.

1. Cruise Lines Promotions

One of the ways cruise lines attract passengers is by offering various cruise deals, often including onboard credits. Go to the homepage of any major cruise company, and you’ll be enticed with an offer. Exactly how much you might be eligible for will depend on everything from the date on which you’re looking to sail to the length of the voyage — but the biggest factor is often the size of the stateroom booked. The bigger the room, the more OBC each guest will be offered.

2. Bounceback Cruise Offers

The only thing cruise lines want more than to get you on their ship is to, while you’re there, have you commit to sailing with them again. That’s why most have a program in which you pay a deposit on a non-specified future cruise and, in return, get an OBC you can use during your current sailing.

On Carnival cruise ships, the “Welcome Home” program offers tiered OBC as one of the perks (along with reduced deposits and in-category upgrades). Basically, the cruise line wants you to book your next cruise onboard.

You may also see an OBC offer if you sign up for one of the cruise line credit cards.

3. Cruise Line Loyalty/Casino Programs

Cruise with one particular line often enough to climb the ladder of their loyalty program, and you’re likely to earn some OBC. Likewise, gamblers who rack up points — whether at the tables or on the slot machines — are also usually compensated with some OBC. For example, with Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Casino At Seas” program, those who ascend to the second tier receive $100 OBC on each future cruise they book, assuming they maintain their status.

4. Travel Agents

Cruise lines aren’t the only ones offering OBC as promotions to book with them. Travel agents also offer OBC as an incentive for you to book with them. They also reward loyalty, and often increase the OBC amount, the more you book with them. Most travel agents start the onboard credit offer at around $25 per cabin and go up from there (depending on the length of the cruise). This is usually a special offer that only the agent has access to.

If you’re traveling as a group and making multiple cruise reservations, make sure your travel agent is aware. It could increase your OBC amount.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent To Book Your Cruise 

Travel agent Becky Smith of Becky’s Travel Biz told us, “Some travel agents will offer various gifts or onboard credits to help say thank you to guests for booking with them.  Many guests prefer the onboard credit so they can spend the money however they wish on the ship.”

5. Price Drops

What happens if the price of your cruise goes down after you’ve booked it at a certain price? Oftentimes, the cruise line will offer you at least some form of onboard credit to make up the difference between what you paid and the new lower price.

Don’t expect them to come to you if the price drops, however. This is the kind of thing you definitely need to keep track of yourself. Read the fine print when purchasing your cruise, because some bookings are not qualified for any type of adjustments. Some of the rules that come into play here are how long it is prior to sailing, the actual sail-date, and how much your cruise fare is. This will all determine your onboard credit amount.

READ MORE: How To Monitor Price Drops 

6. Cruise Line Stock

If you’re a shareholder with the cruise company, you can get onboard credit before your sailing. All you need to do is provide proof of stock ownership.

For instance, if you own 100 shares of stock in Carnival Corporation North America or Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, you can arrange to receive $100 OBC on your cruises.

There could be limits as to how many times a year this perk can be used, and there are (as you’d expect) rules and regulations regarding how the OBC can be obtained. But for regular cruisers, this can be a nice way to not only own a piece of your favorite cruise line but earn a little something extra, too.

READ MORE: Cruise Line Stock Benefits for Shareholders

7. As A “Make-Good”

Sometimes, things go wrong. And when they go wrong enough, the cruise line will use OBC to try and compensate. This happens in cases of missed ports, mechanical delays, weather issues, and more. However, it’s not the best way to get OBC (because obviously, it means your vacation hit an unexpected bump in the road).

Recently, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship had a mechanical issue on the way from San Juan to Port Canaveral. The cruise line issued everyone onboard an OBC and a future cruise credit for the inconvenience. You’ll also see this when the cruise ship is late leaving port or has to miss the port — the port taxes are refunded as OBC.

Ways to Spend Onboard Credit

Although we covered this in broad strokes at the beginning, it’s worth doing a deep-dive into how, and where, you can spend onboard credits, as this is a question which gets asked a lot.

A good rule of thumb: if you can use your ship-assigned key card (Sail & Sign, SeaPass, etc.) to purchase something, you can use your onboard credit to pay for it. That’s because your onboard account works a lot like a bank account. When you charge something, they first deduct it from your OBC.

Once that credit is spent, then they begin applying the expenses to your account. These post-OBC-expenses will make up the final bill you’re presented with at the end of the trip.

While there are always exceptions, and each cruise line is different, you can usually use your OBC — whether it is refundable or non-refundable — to pay for the following.

• Drinks
  • Alcoholic beverage packages
  • Non-alcoholic drink packages
  • Specialty coffee and teas
• Spa Services & Treatments
  • Massages
  • Fitness Classes and Personal Trainers
  • Sauna, steam rooms, thalassotherapy pool and thermal suites (where upcharges apply)
  • Haircuts/Salon treatments
  • Spa treatments
  • Products
• Dining
  • Specialty (up-charge) dining
  • Room Service
  • Specialty treats and desserts
• Onboard Shops
  • Gift Shops
  • Cruise Souvenirs
  • Duty-Free Shopping
• Onboard Activities & Private Islands
  • Private Cabanas
  • IMAX Movies
  • Painting with a Twist
  • Race Car Tracks
  • Bowling Alleys
  • Arcade Games
  • Wine and Beer Tastings
  • Mixology Classes
• Internet Access
• Photos
• Gambling
  • Casinos
  • Onboard games with a surcharge, such as Deal Or No Deal or Bingo
• Shore excursions
  • Port excursions
  • Airport Transfers
• Gratuities (Norwegian cruise line calls this a service charge)

“Guests may choose to wait until they are aboard a ship to book shore excursions,” explained Smith, “or perhaps they do not buy the [drink] package up front, so the onboard credits can easily be spent on either of those areas.”

Do Your Research

Don’t let the amount of onboard credit offered to you determine if you book the cruise. Some cruise lines like to sweeten the deal by offering OBC only to jack up the original price of the cruise. As we mentioned earlier, there is no such thing as a free lunch. You can bet you’re paying for that onboard credit one way or another.

Have you ever gotten OBC before? How do you like to spend yours?

Before we get to the key points, make SURE you book travel insurance. There’s no sense wasting your time budgeting if you’re not protecting your cruise investment. Get a quote on the upper right corner of the site.

Here are the areas you’ll need to plan for.

1. Pier

If you’re driving your own car to the port, you’ll need to allot money for gas, tolls and port parking. Depending on which port you’re sailing from, expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 a day for port parking.

If you’re flying, you’ll need to allow for transportation from the airport to the port. You can book this directly with the cruise line, but that can cost you up to $50 each way. You can often find a local shuttle service for significantly less. Don’t forget – once you arrive at the port, make sure you have cash to tip the porters. The customary amount is $1 to $2 per bag.

2. Embarkation

When you start the embarkation process, you have the option of using a credit card (or cash) to link to your onboard spending account. Using a credit card is much easier and painless. The cruise line swipes your credit card to pre-authorize it and then your room key doubles as your onboard credit-card for all purchases. If you take the cash option, you have to go to the guest relations desk on the ship and make a cash deposit to activate your card – amounts generally start at $250.

When you arrive, you’ll notice the gratuities may have already been added to your onboard account (if not, they’ll be there by the end of the cruise). These go to your room steward, dining room staff, and bar staff. They’re generally around $10 to $12 a day per person. Just a note – you can also prepay these before you arrive.

3. Onboard

The entire time you’re on the ship, you’ll use your onboard card to make any and all purchases (with the exception of the casino). While there are plenty of free things to enjoy on the ship, there are still plenty of activities and items that do cost extra.

Some onboard expenses to allow for:

• Adult Beverages
• Spa Treatments
• Specialty Dining
• Souvenirs
• Duty-free Shopping
• Bingo
• Casino
• Shore Excursions (yes, this is actually for the port, but you can buy them ahead of time online or onboard)
• Tips (while you do pay gratuities, it’s also common to tip for excellent service you receive from crew members)

4. Ports

Shopping, drinking, and eating – oh my! Between the shopping and shore excursions, there are plenty of ways to spend money off the ship too. Depending on how much of a shopper you are, ports can be a place of great spending. If you’re not a shopper, you may want to splurge on a memorable shore excursion.

You’ll find tons of local food and drink options in port for you to enjoy (this is where I like to spend money). Since I’m not a shopper, I also like to indulge in adventures like kayaking, biking, swimming with dolphins, and more.

Even still, I plan to splurge in one port and save in the others to balance out the total cost. When you do your research, think about the overall itinerary and what matters to you – that’s where you’ll want to budget the most money.

5. Debarkation

Once the trip’s over, there’s not a whole lot left to spend. I recommend sitting down when you get that bill on your last morning – it can be a doozy sometimes. You’ll still need to allow for transportation back to the airport or your car. Also, if you have any last minute gratuities you’d like to hand out, now’s the time.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind, these are areas to help you plan the right amount of money for you! We can’t tell you exactly how much money to bring since that depends on your planning and what’s important to you.

We’d love to hear from you though! Where do you spend the most money on a cruise? Where do you save money on your cruise?

By Sarah Phillips

5 Ways to Protect Your Passport

1. Copy It

Don’t leave home without a copy of your passport. Before you leave the country, make a copy of the main page of your passport. Take one copy with you and leave one with a trusted friend or family member. You can also scan a copy and email it to yourself so you’ll have a digital copy accessible. Keep your copy away from your passport while you’re traveling. In the event your passport is lost or misplaced, you’ll be asked to provide: Issue Date, Issuing Agency, Passport Number and Expiration Date. With a copy of this info, it’s much easier to replace your lost/stolen passport.

2. Know It

Know who to call or contact in the event of a missing passport. In the United States, call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778. If you’re overseas, contact the nearest embassy or consulate. Check out the location list at www.usembassy.gov and keep it with you when traveling overseas.

3. Hold It

Don’t just hand your passport over to anyone who asks for it. Be very sure you’re giving it to a trustworthy person. Thieves and con artists have gotten clever and dress up as officials to try and get your info and identity. If you’re unsure at all of who’s asking for your passport, use a different form of ID first. Remember, you don’t need your driver’s license to get back into the US; you do need your passport.

4. Insure It

You know we’re firm believers in travel insurance, but here’s another great reason why you should always have it. If your passport is lost or stolen and has to be replaced, travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacement. They’ll help direct you to the nearest embassy or location to get a new photo taken. Travel insurance can also help with the cost of any itinerary changes due to the lost passport.

5. Wrap It

Starting in 2006, the United States has started issuing passports with an RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) chip. These chips consist of data and a small antenna. The problem is that your personal data can get read from your passport from thieves without ever opening, touching, or even coming close to your passport. It just takes you walking by someone with a scanner.

Consider buying a wallet with an RFID shield or a good home remedy is to wrap it in aluminum foil. Amazon sells an affordable Smooth Trip Passport Holders with an RFID blocker for under $10.

Hopefully these tips help you avoid a travel horror story! Have you ever lost your passport overseas? What are some ways that you protect your passport? We’d love to hear from you with any tips on keeping your passport safe and sound!

Photo via Flickr

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5 Things I’ve Missed About Cruising

1. Disconnecting

We’re such a connected culture today. When I started sailing over 10 years ago, onboard internet was limited, slow, and cost-prohibitive. So, I happily disconnected from all things real life. Today, it’s far easier to connect while on a cruise, but it’s also an option to stay disconnected. There’s not much you can do about a problem at work while you’re in the middle of the ocean.

Cruising gives you the chance to step away from worries, cares, and responsibilities. Cruising lets you recharge you – instead of just your smartphone. Cruising lets you focus on staying in the moment and living life to the fullest.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons Cruises Love Florida

It’s nice that you don’t need your phone or social media or anything online during a cruise. Some vacation destinations almost require you to have it for reservations, dining, and more. That makes it hard to disconnect. Cruising keeps it simple and lets you relax and keep your phone in the cabin safe.

2. The Views

While oceans cover 70 percent of the Earth’s surface – and contain 97 percent of the world’s water – it’s not just one boring endless body of water. It’s so many stunning shades of blue. It sparkles and glows in the sun and moonlight.

And what about the views of the islands sitting surrounded by the ocean, palm trees swaying in the breeze, set in blindingly white sand? Or, the amazing creatures that inhabit the water and land. In all my travels, some of the best views I’ve ever seen come from being on a cruise ship.

3. Seeing New Places

Saint Augustine once spoke, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Cruising lets you see and explore new places like no other vacation. The more you sail, the more you see. I often liken cruising to a sampler – you experience new places and then you can go back and explore your favorites in more depth.

For my next cruise, we made sure to book a sailing that included a new port, along with some new activities in a familiar one. Thanks to cruising though, I have a long list of places and ports I want to visit again and a shorter list of places I was happy to check the ‘been there, done that’ box.

Extra bonus for cruising: I only have to unpack one time and don’t have to lug my suitcase everywhere to see multiple new locations in one week.

4. The Food

Another confession: I’m not a foodie, but cruising helped me try new things, new flavors, and now, I’m not nearly as picky as I used to be. Since most food is included in the price of your cruise, it’s the perfect time to try the West Indian Pumpkin Soup, or sushi, or escargot, or a new fish. If you hate it, you can get something else. But… what if you love it?

While most food is included on your cruise, there are some upgrades or specialty options available. With those choices, you can often try foods at a fraction of their land-based cost. On my Carnival Sunshine sailing, I tried duck for the first time at JiJi’s Asian Kitchen. I can’t say that I’ll try it again, but I did love the Hakka noodles and Slow-Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib – things I would not have tried at my local Asian place.

5. Service and Special Touches

A room steward for my apartment has been on my Christmas list for almost 10 years now. I don’t like making my bed. Not a fan of the dishes either. Wouldn’t that be one of the best travel souvenirs to bring home?

I travel a good amount for both work and fun, so I have plenty of interaction with the hospitality industry. There are few places that get it like the cruise ships. It’s the little things they set the service apart: what you want to drink with dinner, asking about your shore excursions, making a towel animal of your favorite creature, and more. Service is personalized, special, and designed to exceed expectations.

When you don’t cruise, what do you miss most? What’s the longest you’ve ever gone between cruises? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories.

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Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain

We travel not to escape life but for life to escape us. – Anonymous

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. – Andre Gide

Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. – Ray Bradbury

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. – Jawaharial Nehru

Want some more cruise escapes and pictures? Check out our Pinterest boards for more photos, tips and quotes.

From lazing on the white sandy beaches to hiking in the stunning rainforest parks, there is something for everyone in Panama. I loved spending time in this gorgeous country, so I have put together a handy guide to cover what you need to know if you decide to visit.

First is safety. The safety levels in Panama vary widely across the country so it is very important to check safety alerts for your intended destinations before you go. While Panama might not be considered one of the world’s safest places to visit, if you keep your wits about you and try to avoid any obvious tourist traps you should be ok.

When to Go

Though it is possible to visit at any time of the year, it’s worth knowing that Panama runs on just two seasons, the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-March, and the wet season, which runs from mid-March to mid-December.

Most of Panama’s tourist activity happens during the dry season due to the lack of rain, however, the wet season holds its own distinctive appeal. Prices are cheaper, accommodation is more widely available, and Panama glitters and brims with lush vegetation. Whichever time you decide to visit, be aware that sometimes the wet/dry seasons can get mixed up so be sure to take a few jumpers and jackets in case the weather turns.

What to Budget

Although the official currency of Panama is the Balboa, one Balboa equals one US Dollar, and US Dollars have circulated as legal tender for over 100 years.

While it is certainly possible to stick to a small budget when traveling in Panama, be warned that costs can spiral without you even realizing. If you are a backpacker on a budget, this can be a daunting prospect, although it all depends on how strict you are with your daily allowances.

It is also possible to find hostel dorms for between $11-$13 USD per night, local restaurants and food stalls for around $4 USD per meal, and cheap beer for between $0.50 to $1 USD during happy hour. However, be aware that taxis will often try to take advantage of tourists, so stick to public transport to keep a handle on your finances.

Where to Stay

Since Panama offers everything from a bustling metropolis skyline to quiet sandy beaches, it’s a good idea to think about what you want out of your holiday before you start to book your accommodations.

Staying in the city will cost more, but the views, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and landmarks are worth it. If you’re planning on spending a few days in the city, you can expect to pay upwards of $120 USD to stay anywhere with Balboa Avenue, Marbella, or San Francisco in its address. These destinations are perfectly located to the area’s best attractions and are worth every cent, while the areas of El Cangrejo and Casco Antiguo are great for tighter budgets.

If you would rather head to the beach, there are a wide range of options available depending on your finances. Bocas del Toro is a hugely popular destination for holidaymakers seeking the tranquil side of Panama, while Bastimentos Island boasts beautifully idyllic beaches. If mountains are more your thing, however, Cerro Punta and Boquete are both regularly overlooked treats in Panama’s highlands.

Where to Eat

Not surprisingly, Panama City has some of the best restaurants in the country. Effortlessly blending Afro-Caribbean, Latin American, and European cultures, the culinary delights offered in Panama are enough to tempt any palate. Some of the highlights include:

• Restaurante El Trapiche – For typical Panamanian cuisine, this is the place to go. El Trapiche turns local produce into a range of mouth-watering dishes.
• Mercado de Mariscos Restaurant – Paradise for fans of seafood, this is the city’s fish market where over 70 stalls sell the freshest fish and seafood delicacies.
• Las Clementinas – Perfectly fusing international and local dishes while serving them in an enchanting lush garden with indigenous plants, this is a culinary experience not to be missed.
• Las Tinajas – A wonderfully authentic Panamanian restaurant that offers seafood, tropical fruits, tortillas, and fabulous entertainment.

What to Do

Head to the beach. Panama is home to a wonderful array of white sandy beaches, such as Las Tablas, Boca del Drago, Puerto Armuelles, and the stunning Azuero Sunset Coast. Much of the coastline features the typical palm trees and crystal clear waters, so you will be safe whichever you choose.

Visit rainforest national parks. Just under 30% of Panamanian land is protected by wildlife reserves, national parks, and reserves that protect over 1,000 species of birds and 230 mammals. Soberania National Park is not far from Panama City and offers some of the country’s most stunning rainforests.

Hit the town. It’s no secret that Panamanians love a good party, which means the nightlife in the city is outstanding. Head to Casco Viejo’s historic sector for underground bars, microbreweries, and rooftop parties.

Cruise the Panama Canal. A trip to Panama wouldn’t be complete without a cruise down the famous Panama Canal. Take a trip from the Amador Causeway through the Miraflores and under the Centennial Bridge. You won’t regret it!

1. Set a price drop alert at cruiseline.com.

Prices change all the time when it comes to traveling: airfare, rental cars, and cruise rates. While a price alert can help you track this before you book, a price drop helps you after. Cruiseline.com has a price drop feature that tracks prices on cruises you’ve already booked. If the price of your cruise does go down, you can check your eligibility and see if you can get a refund for the difference.

2. Book a GTY cabin.

GTY? It means a “guarantee” stateroom or cabin. Instead of choosing your specific room, you choose a room category. Since you haven’t chosen a specific room, the cruise lines get more flexibility over their inventory and then, offer you lower rate for it.

3. Prepay Tips.

The majority of cruise lines automatically add tips or gratuities to your sailing bill. That means you walk onboard with a balance already on your account. To save some money ahead of time, you can prepay them pretty much up until right before sailing.

4. Carry on wine and water.

Hydrate and celebrate for less. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way. Bring an empty, refillable water bottle (or two) onboard with you. In many places you’ll visit, you’ll be grateful you have your own filtered water. When it comes to celebrating, it’s BYOB. Well, bring your own wine or champagne. For example, Carnival lets each guest over 21 bring on 1 unopened bottle of wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) in their carry-on luggage. Don’t forget your bottle opener and keep in mind, most cruise lines will charge you a corkage fee of around $15, which is still cheaper than buying a bottle onboard.

5. Plan excursions in advance.

This one can save you hundreds! We had a cruise that changed course a few days before sailing due to a hurricane. Because of this, we didn’t book any excursions ahead of time. I spent SO much money on excursions since I did no pre-planning and booked every single one through the cruise line. An expensive lesson. Sites like cruisingexcursions.com offer multiple options at a lower cost. Have all the fun at half the price.

6. Book outside the box.

Get creative and use all your resources. Think about booking repositioning cruises or during the off-season. Cruising in the summer is more expensive; could you take that same sailing in October and save several hundred dollars? Also, think about possible discounts you might be eligible for. Are you a past guest of this cruise line? Military? Senior? Teacher? AAA Member? It never hurts to ask for a discount.

7. Take advantage of complimentary venues onboard.

Create your own experience and make the most of onboard amenities. My parents love to order room service and have a relaxing breakfast on their balcony. Room service is often available 24 hours a day at little to no cost. Take chances and try new things. Always wanted to try sushi but don’t want to pay for it and hate it? Try it for free on your cruise. As for the scenery? You’ll see picture perfect beaches, historical sites, and the most amazing sunrises and sunsets at sea.

What are some of the ways you cruise cheaper? What advice would you share? We’d love to hear from you.

1. MSC Meraviglia

Wonder. That’s what Meraviglia means in Italian. According to MSC’s website, wonder “is the feeling of being amazed when we see something new, extraordinary or unimaginable.” In other words, this new ship is going to be wonderful.

When MSC Meraviglia launches next summer, she’ll immediately sail away with new records: the largest ship ever built by a European company, and the largest passenger capacity at sea with 5,700 guest capacity.

Check out some of the wonderful features of MSC Meraviglia: 

• Entertainment headlined by Cirque du Soleil at sea, who will perform six nights a week in the Carousel Lounge
• Mediterranean-style indoor promenade featuring an LED ‘sky’ with shops, bars, and restaurants
• 12 restaurants, including fine dining Kaito Sushi Bar, Kaito Teppanyaki, and a steakhouse
• Indoor amusement park and outdoor water park
• Cutting-edge wristband technology for onboard purchases and appointments
• One of the largest pools at sea, influenced by Miami’s South Beach

2. Norwegian Joy

Joy is defined as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” If just being on a cruise ship brings joy, imagine how it feels to be on the brand new Norwegian Joy in 2017. To sail on this new ship, you’ll need to first buy a plane ticket and pack your passport; it’s setting sail exclusively for China, homeporting in Shanghai and Tianjin.

The 3,900 passengers on this sister ship to Norwegian Escape can expect to find fun and cutting-edge features: 

• Open-air laser tag and a 2-level racetrack (the first at sea) featuring electric race cars
• The Haven, with an Observation Deck that offers views normally reserved just for the ship’s officers in the bridge
• The Galaxy Pavilion, home to games and virtual reality simulators
• Multi-level water slides: The Double Aqua Loop and The Aqua Racer
• 29 restaurants including familiar favorites (Manhattan Room, Food Republic, La Cucina, Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse) and new options (Sakura & Hibiscus, American Diner and the Grand Tea Room)

These are only 2 of the many new ships expected to launch in 2017, which should be an exciting year to set sail. Which brand-new cruise ship trip is on your Christmas wish list?