Those who have traveled on a cruise before are probably already familiar with cruise dos and don’ts. But for cruise rookies out there, this is a brand new experience. If you’re one of them, you probably do not know what to expect, especially since there will be a ton of other passengers. Good thing we’re here to help. Read on to know about five things you should not do on your first cruise trip. Don’t forget to turn off your data First-time passengers are often surprised and dumbfounded by their expensive cellular bills after a cruise. These high bills are only a result of the international data and roaming charges applied to cell services. If you do want to avoid these pricy bills, you can opt to turn off cellular data for the whole duration of your trip or while nearing a coast or port. You can also switch off your cell phone or put it on airplane mode to avoid unnecessary costs. However, this does not mean that you cannot contact your loved ones on land. You can simply use the internet cafes onboard or pay to access Wi-Fi services throughout the trip. Don’t shop too much One of the biggest mistakes first-time travelers make is shopping way too much at ports.

Asthma is a long-term condition wherein patients suffer from inflamed airways, making breathing difficult. Asthma triggers may vary from person to person, but some common ones include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. It is crucial to manage asthma symptoms when traveling because it’s hard to figure out what could lead to a flare in a new environment. Find below some traveling tips to avoid trips to the emergency room. Consider seeing your doctor before traveling Before traveling, you should consult a doctor from a regional travel clinic or health department. If you take regular allergy shots, discuss your travel plan with your allergist. Your doctor will be able to refill your prescriptions and tell you more about travel-related risks. They will also be able to give immunization shots if required. Work out an allergic asthma action plan with your doctor. Ask them to provide you with a letter explaining your condition, prescriptions required, and devices needed in an emergency. Keep this letter with you at all times when traveling. Be strategic about your destination Learn about your destination beforehand. Check if medical facilities or hospitals are close by. Get information on the weather condition like smog and humidity.

Every destination has its own charm, offering its unique different cuisines, tourist spots, architecture, and etiquettes. It’s always a good idea to do some research before going to a new country; it makes travel easier and hassle-free. After all, vacations are meant for relaxation and creating beautiful memories. This article shares some common mistakes travelers should avoid while touring Europe, the continent of royal castles, exquisite cuisines, quaint villages, and appealing architecture. Solely relying on plastic money If you think carrying your card is the way to go on travels, think again. Most cafes, restaurants, bars, tourist spots, museums, and public transportation still mostly accept cash over plastic money. Withdraw an amount that should help take you through most of the trip. This way, you avoid stacking withdrawal fees. However, only carry the required amount for the day. ATMs let you pick denominations, and after your first day in Europe, you should know which denomination mix works best in the country you’re in. Forgetting to claim your VAT tax refund This is an important note to make, especially when making large purchases. You will need a VAT tax refund form at the airport when traveling back home. This piece of paper could reward you with a 19-25% cash refund on all purchases from 0 to 175 euros.

Planning for a vacation is fun. Thinking about the exciting places you’re going to visit, new cuisine, and entertainment adventures can lift your spirits. And since you can arrange everything from hotels to restaurant reservations online in advance, there’s not much running about to do. However, you must be cautious. Some holiday deals may sound too appealing to be true. A mistake while booking a hotel could cost you money and spoil your vacation. Not asking for refundable bookings If paying in advance, one of the biggest hotel booking mistakes to avoid is taking a non-refundable room. A non-refundable package may be cheaper, but travel plans can change abruptly. If you decide to shift your holiday destination and need to cancel, you may have to pay the penalty. So always book a room that comes with refundable rates and free cancelation. Going for the cheapest rooms available A lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. With hotels, you must also read customer reviews while comparing the rates online. There’s a good reason the room is listed for a discount. So, find out what it is before confirming a reservation. Also, use pricing comparison tools available on booking websites.

Traveling to a new location allows you to explore the unknown. It is a great way to enjoy and experience new cultures, traditions, and cuisines while you unwind. It is also normal to make a few mistakes and dabble in a few travel glitches during the journey. But, at times, these errors can often put a stop to your fun and frolic. Thankfully, some of these mistakes are avoidable. Let’s look at them. Overpacking When you’re traveling, the last thing you want to do is lug around heavy and huge suitcases. Not only will this completely ruin the vacation spirit, but it also could leave you with a sore arm. Overpacking is one of the most common mistakes people make when traveling. In most cases, overpacking starts with choosing an oversized suitcase or travel bag. Instead, start with a carry-on bag and then move to another if you need to. Also, pick out all the items that you want to take on the trip. Then, slowly eliminate some of them and try to find workarounds. This helps you limit your items to only essentials. Another tip, carry neutral clothing options; this way, you can mix and match your outfits. Carrying expensive items Carrying expensive items like jewelry poses a risk when traveling.

Music cruises are an excellent way to combine a vacation with a concert and have an unforgettable experience. Such cruises are always in gorgeous locations, offer luxurious amenities, and are well worth the money due to the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Besides, these cruises have a dynamic atmosphere and allow guests to interact with some of their favorite artists and personalities. If you are intrigued, here are some top cruises for a joyful musical experience. Top music festival cruises The Groove Cruise The Groove Cruise is one of the world’s biggest floating dance music festivals. It features independent music from the West and East Coasts and hosts a massive electronic music festival at sea. This cutting-edge cruise has over ten restaurants, indoor and outdoor bars, lounges, casinos, a disco, and other exciting activities. It also has a sports deck with basketball courts, tennis courts, and other activities. It also has two spas, a video arcade, and an art gallery. The Broadway Cruise This trip is excellent for people who want to experience the glitz and glam of Broadway. The Broadway Cruise, which will take place over five nights from March 31 to April 5, 2023, will travel roundtrip in a Norwegian Gem.

Going on a cruise is one of the best experiences one can have at any age—childhood or adulthood. However, not all cruises are ideal for everyone. Some cruise lines offer special packages that meet all the needs of seniors, ranging from arranging flights, finding restaurants, booking excursions, and even checking in and out of hotels. Keep reading to know more about some of the best senior-friendly cruises and their features. Viking cruises Popular companies like Viking offer ships that can cater to approximately 930+ passengers on the sea. However, these cruises do not allow anyone under 18 on board. Further, the ships are designed to serve passengers aged 50 and above. Viking cruises are ideal for seniors, as they offer informative lectures and destination-specific entertainment on board. Further, Viking cruises focus on getting seniors to key attractions and UNESCO world heritage sites all over the world. In most cases, everyday shore excursions are included in the cruise fare. These include voyages such as the Mediterranean odyssey and the Atlanta crossing, to name a few. AmaWaterways Among the top river cruise lines around the world, AmaWaterways has a total of 24 ships with extraordinary itineraries aimed at seniors. The cruise packages here usually offer exploring ports across Europe but just a few trips to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

It helps to retreat from life’s hustle and bustle every now and then and enjoy a peaceful vacation alone or with loved ones. Luxurious hotels provide one with this retreat, with premium services, assured privacy, and a welcoming ambiance. Making reservations at hotels has become incredibly easy with several booking apps offering lucrative discounts on stays. However, avoiding certain common mistakes while checking into a hotel can enhance one’s experience considerably. Not clarifying if early check-in and late check-out are available Early check-in and late check-out ensure that guests can spend more time on their holiday. Moreover, the check-in and check-out processes can be more hassle-free if guests have an additional hour to unpack and pack their belongings. Thus, before checking in, guests should request the hotel staff at the reception for early check-in and late check-out. Not speaking to the hotel staff about one’s requirements Speaking with the hotel staff beforehand about one’s purpose of stay and specific requirements can help one book the most suitable rooms. For example, some individuals may be looking for a luxurious deluxe suite with a jacuzzi, while others may want a simple room with no fancy elements. The hotel staff can check out the various options available and communicate them to the guests early on, avoiding any last-moment hassles or disappointments.

Warm sunshine, blue waters, and a relaxing ambiance — island vacations have always been the perfect getaway. Sure, holidaying on an island can be expensive, but a little planning and research can help one find an excellent package without breaking the bank. Individuals can benefit from several offers from hotels, air carriers, and cruises. Here are the top six island vacations on a budget for those thinking about their next getaway! Caye Caulker, Belize This tiny island must feature on every vacation goer’s checklist. Not many know about Caye Caulker yet, which means it is less crowded. One can enjoy the solitude and likely find affordable accommodations here. The island is accessible from the mainland of Belize and falls right in the heart of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. So, people can explore the vast undersea life through snorkeling and marine tours. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic The resort town of Punta Cana has white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise blue waters. One can stay at an all-inclusive resort here and enjoy the tropical weather. While the resorts may seem expensive, Punta Cana has several accommodation options for those on a budget. Want to have some fun during the island vacation?

Traveling on a cruise is an exciting experience to try at least once in a lifetime. A cruise offers a range of amenities for adults and children, including live music, concerts, water activities, and delicious meals. However, embarking on a cruise means that one will be away from home for at least a day or two, if not longer. Having cruise insurance can help address various situations that may arise while on board the ship. Last-minute cancellation refunds One might have to cancel a cruise trip at the last minute for various reasons, including a family or health emergency. However, cruises have terms and conditions that may prevent the issuance of a refund. If one is faced with this situation, one might lose all the money spent on the cruise package. However, having a cruise insurance plan could offer complete reimbursement or credits. Coverage for missed cruises Sometimes, one might need to fly to a city to board a cruise. If the flight gets canceled due to extreme weather conditions, there is a high chance one may miss their cruise and not get a refund in the process. In such situations, signing up for travel insurance can help reimburse an individual for eligible meals, hotel stays, and lost prepaid expenses if a trip delay is experienced.

Travel credit cards offer a host of perks for travelers. Some such perks include discounted first-class flights, free checked baggage, complimentary meals, and elite hotel room access, among many others. To access these benefits, users simply have to use their accumulated travel credit points while being aware of the card company’s usage rules associated with their services. While this seems easy, it frequently leads to users making common mistakes with their travel credit card. 1. Allowing travel miles or points to expire Most travel credit points come with a set expiry date. This means that if users do not redeem these points within a certain amount of time, they will lose them once that deadline passes. Credit card holders who do not make the most of such use-it-or-lose-it rewards are essentially wasting this money. To prevent points from expiring, one can use them to make small purchases or redeem them for travel plans regularly. Further, it is important for cardholders to know the rules of their travel credit card. One can set calendar alerts on their phone to avoid missing out on travel credit card benefits due to expiration. 2. Buying points and miles when not needed Many credit card companies enable users to purchase miles or points flexibly to reach their next redemption faster.