Write, don’t call – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Make sure all your friends and family know that, although you would love to keep in touch with them and share your experiences minute-by-minute, depending on your destination, internet access and cell phone access can be very costly.

Instead, when you get to your port of call… send a nice little note — yes, postcards are still available — and MAIL them a greeting! The post card will be posted from your port, and it will feature a local stamp. On the postcard, be sure to tell them how much you miss them — even if you’re having the time of your life!

Pay for windows – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Living on ship is a completely different experience than living at home, so why not have the best experience possible? I suggest splurging on a room with windows.

Although cabins in the center of the boat may have a more attractive price tag (read: cheaper), the beauty doesn’t extend much further. Waking up to total blackness in the middle of the day can be confusing and not very pleasant.

Rooms with windows allow natural light to shine through and wake you gently from your slumber — a big factor if you choose to cruise for an extended period.

Stick to your diet – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you want to avoid gaining weight on a cruise, call the cruise line and ask them to send you a menu — or go online and print it out before your trip.

Create your own menu for the week from the existing cruise menu and stick to it when you go on your cruise. If you know what you’re planning on eating before you go on your trip, you’re less likely to eat foods that you normally try and stay away from. Sticking to your diet will stop you from feeling guilty about eating too much and help you relax.

Read the fine print – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When making reservations for a hotel stay, don’t assume all booking companies (i.e., Expedia vs. Travelocity) are created equal.

If you book a hotel one month with one agency and then book the same hotel again the next month with a different agency, don’t assume the terms and conditions for refunds or changes will be the same. Oftentimes, cancellation fees and refund policies differ from company to company.

Always verify any important conditions such as deposits, refunds, service fees, and fees for changing a reservation. This will ensure that when you do travel, your hotel stay will be smooth and you will limit the unexpected surprises that could possibly ruin your stay.

Show respect – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

And the tip? Respect. Seems simple enough.

But showing respect for a foreign country is a skill many Americans have yet to master. If you are embarking on a business trip, respect for foreign culture is imperative. Should I shake hands or bow? Should I eat with my fork in my left or right hand? Noticing simple rules of conduct can make or break your experience as a foreigner.

When in doubt, keep your voice down, offer a soft smile to all, and learn the words for ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.