Collect rocks and stones – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

There’s a scene in The Long, Long Trailer where Lucille Ball sentimentally refuses to get rid of the souvenir rocks she’s collected and hides them all in her trailer cabinets instead. Hilarity ensues.

While taking the biggest, heaviest rocks from every place you visit is hardly recommended, searching for small stones as souvenirs from favorite destinations is a great way to make wonderful memories as a family — and will cost you absolutely nothing.

Start a tradition now of selecting rocks together, and then researching and identifying them when you get home. Set aside a special shelf for your efforts, and you’ll soon build a treasured collection of memories that you’ll remember long after that bumper sticker has faded.

Make it special – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

My best cruise was one that my husband planned as an anniversary surprise.

Thinking ahead, he went on the cruiselines’ website and arranged to have the cabin decorated beautifully with balloons, streamers and an anniversary banner. We received a welcome bottle of champagne and anniversary cake; something different was delivered each day. It was like a second honeymoon.

Careful planning makes for a great, worry-free vacation — and can make a loved one feel even more special.

Research, and get off the beaten (excursion) path – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

My best cruise trips have always been the ones in which I’ve put in extra effort to plan what I’m doing when I’m off the ship.

The biggest appeal about taking a cruise is the opportunity to visit multiple interesting, beautiful locations in one trip. The downside is that without planning you might find that the only thing you see are the little tourist shops right at port — surrounded, filled, and overrun by fellow cruisers.

By researching and planning you get to your destination knowing if a less busy beach is within walking distance, or that a short taxi ride can take you to a really cool museum.

Wait ’til the end – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

A way to save money (and free your arms) is to wait until the end of your trip to purchase souvenirs to take home.

This gives you the chance to scope out prices, which can vary greatly in touristy areas. It can also give you a better sense of what’s available, so you don’t wind up buying all junk.

If you find something unique, you should snag it, but otherwise set an afternoon aside for souvenir shopping.