Top Trips

TopTrips: Top Travel Do’s and Don’ts

Jen Gold — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:19:17 +0000

Anyone who's been on a plane more than a few times probably thinks they've got this whole travel thing figured out. But there are lots of surprising ways you can end up offending your fellow travelers and locals alike, and you probably don't even know it!

Take a look at this roundup of the top travel do's and don'ts we've pulled together from some of our favorite sites - you're guaranteed to recognize at least some of them in your fellow travelers, and possibly even in yourself.

Airline Etiquette
Are you an Armrest Bandit, a Seat Grabber, or a Flight DJ? There are lots of ways to try to be a better plane-mate; check out this great article for some suggestions. Read more

Getting Drunk Around The World
Few areas of life seem to come with as many traditions and potential cultural gaffes as going out for a drink, so here are a few rules to remember when you’re imbibing around the world. Read more

What Not To Wear, And Other Tales
Take a look at this useful - not to mention very funny - blog about crossed signals across the globe, on everything from how not to dress for French class to how to keep up shot for shot with your rice-wine drinking Chinese hosts. You're bound to learn a few pointers for any awkward international situation! Read More

Mexico Do's and Don'ts
Are you the type of person who can't seem to get anywhere on time? Well, if you're going to a person's home in Mexico, you're in luck! Showing up early or even showing up on time is considered rude. Arriving about 30 minutes late is appropriate. Read more

Family Cruising: Know Before You Go
Will your family enjoy a cruise? Most parents report that once they are on board the ship, they barely see their children. But here are a few tips to make the experience even better for the whole family. Read More

Dining With A Moroccan Family
This may seem like a stretch, but you never know when the next time you're going to sit down for a meal at the home of a Moroccan family might be. Why not be prepared? Check out some of these tips to make sure you don't make the wrong move. Read More

Do's and Don'ts in a Japanese Bathhouse
Some visitors balk at experiencing a Japanese public bath, because in Japan, public bathing is done in the nude. Don’t let your cultural cluelessness rob you of this typical Japanese experience. Just let go and … jump in? Swim in? How does one use a Japanese bath house anyway? Read More

TopTrips: The World’s Best Beaches

Jen Gold — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:53:15 +0000

Whether it's a flawlessly palm-lined coast, incredible underwater reefs teeming with sea life, or the perfect thatched-roof bar serving an impeccable margarita, we all have our own criteria for our favorite beaches in the world. Take a look at what the experts consider to be some of the very best beaches on the planet, and let us know your favorite in the comments section!

Belize
Belize's entire eastern border runs along the Caribbean Sea, and there are also hundreds of cayes found offshore that are completely surrounded by water. As you might imagine, this kind of setup means that you'll find a good amount of Belize beaches to enjoy. The mainland coastal town of Placencia offers what many consider to be the best beach in Belize. Thankfully, wherever you find yourself in Belize, a nice Belizean beach is never too far off. Read more>

Puerto Rico
Flamenco Beach on Culebra island has been dubbed the "best beach in America" and the "best escape beach" by relevant authorities. A mile or so of striking white coral sand is juxtaposed by turquoise waters and well covered hills. But this beach offers more than the best stretch of coast in Puerto Rico - it offers an atmosphere of solitude. Read more>

Seychelles
With breath-taking sunsets, powder-white beaches, the Seychelles are a tropical paradise like no other. And not just because of the endemic coco-de-mer palm whose startling resemblance to the female form has many believing it to be the biblical forbidden fruit. The main islands of this tiny Indian Ocean archipelago are the only mid-oceanic granite islands in the world. Read more>

South Africa
Addington Beach along Durban's well-known Golden Mile, boasts beautiful golden sands and clear warm Indian Ocean waters. It's a broad, sandy shore line extending way beyond the bathing zone. The waters are protected by the entrance of the harbor making it an ideal swimming spot for those who prefer calm waters and for young ones. Read more>

South America
Jericoacoara stands out for its majestic beauty and perfect conditions for Kite and Windsurfing. Jeri, as locals call it, is one of the longest beaches in the world, surrounded by dunes and fresh-water lagoons, which attract visitors in search of peace and quiet but also offers great winds for sports activities. Read more>

Tahiti
Tahiti covers over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos. Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spread over an area as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area only slightly larger than the tiny state of Rhode Island. Read more>

Thailand
The eleven islands at the heart of the Ko Similan National Park are among the most exciting diving destinations in Thailand. Massive granite boulders set magnificently against turquoise waters give the islands their distinctive character, but it's the thirty-metre visibility that draws the divers. Read more>

Turkey
Ölüdeniz is Turkey's most famous bay. This world-famous azure lagoon has a bright sandy beach surrounded by trees. The Meri is the oldest and most beautiful hotel here, and also the only hotel directly on the lagoon. Read more>

How to Get an Airline Refund

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:41:37 +0000

I never thought it could happen -- someone actually getting a refund for an airline ticket! But in this article from Consumer Traveler, you'll learn the tips and tricks to getting what you deserve.

Luxury on the Slopes

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:51:09 +0000

As someone who strongly dislikes the cold and all things winter, the one exception I'll make is if I I'm staying at a luxury resort with a huge fireplace and lots of hot chocolate! Check out these seven opulent ski European resorts to help make your winter vacation a bit hotter.

Tips for Flying in the Snow

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:07:27 +0000

Winter is only starting, and when bad weather moves in, your flight schedule isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.

TopTrips: Best Places to Ski

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:18 +0000

TopTrips Fans are passionate about their ski resorts! Hands down, Alaska is the favorite, but check out the other great places around the country that have great winter powder.

Alaska Alyeska Resorts

California Big Bear

Colorado Aspen Beaver Creek Crested Butte Steamboat Springs Vail

Idaho McCall Sun Valley

Nevada Lake Tahoe

New Mexico Angel Fire Santa Fe Taos

Utah Park City Sundance

Wyoming Jackson Hole

New Changes in TSA Security

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:04:07 +0000

The Transportation Security Administration’s campaign to confuse airline passengers has intensified. American travelers are far more concerned about what security precautions will be taken domestically — and there, we have little to go on except the TSA’s vague security-speak.

Ignore Traditional Travel Tips

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:51:01 +0000

Guidebook, phrasebook, itinerary, go! Sound familiar? It’s the way most people travel—circling must-sees, creating air-tight itineraries, booking tours and hotels, practicing how to ask for the bathroom and haggle for souvenirs in the local language. And while it’s an easy and relatively low-effort way to see the world, this approach to trip-taking runs a serious risk: it can get boring.

Catch Some Winter Sun

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:37:14 +0000

There are lots of perks to taking a winter break in the sun. So why not take the lead from our friends down-under and swap your scarves and gloves for shorts and suncream with our guide to winter sun breaks.

TopTrips: Most Beautiful Locals

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:51:13 +0000

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we asked the fans of TopTrips to tell us which destinations they think have the most attractive locals!


Costa Rica -- they're all natural and casual.		Israel

Italy		Buenos Aires -- the people are a combination of German, Italian & Spanish; beautiful people.

Barbados -- the locals are beautiful inside and out.		California

India		Spain

Miami -- they are a pretty hot-to-trot group of gorgeous locals!		Hawaii

Prague		Colombia
The United States! We have all walks of life, every race almost imaginable and everyone is attractive in their own way.

Smoking and Spirits in Cuba

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:36:03 +0000

Travel is full of magical moments and Sheila Mary Koch shares a most unusual and memorable Cuban experience with us in this article from GoNomad.

Cooking and Cruising

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:33:19 +0000

Today was our second full day at sea and we decided to sample as many of the onboard activities as we could. So, this morning we attended a culinary demonstration in the main showroom.

Must-See Events of 2010

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:29:58 +0000

The Winter Olympics in Vancouver; the World Cup in South Africa; the total eclipse on Easter Island. These unforgettable events are just a few of the amazing experiences Lonely Planet has targeted as must-sees for 2010.

What to Do in 2010

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:10:18 +0000

Whether you're interested in historical sites, festivals or architectural marvels, 2010 is filled with unmissable things to see and do. So broaden your travel horizons throughout the year by following our guide on what to do when in 2010...

Ignore the Warning List

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:06:03 +0000

While the warnings and alerts put out by the State Department should be noted and are designed to help keep Americans safe, just because there is a warning or alert out for a specific place doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit or that it is dangerous to do so.

The Year of the Deal

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:05:10 +0000

If you thought the travel bargains were unbelievable this year, just wait until 2010. I’m fully aware that this prediction flies in the face of conventional wisdom.

Hot Destinations for 2010

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:02:29 +0000

Want a sneak peek into the future? To start with a bang, here’s our list of the ten hottest countries for next year – and why.

Adventures in Mali

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:55:13 +0000

Dawn over the Sahara. We’ve begun our descent toward the Niger River and my ten-year-old son David has just woken after an uncomfortably chilly and movie-less charter flight from Paris.

Developing Kids’ Characters

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:23:14 +0000

One of the lessons I've learned while traveling with my kids is that they can get used to -- and expect -- first-class travel really quickly. This was definitely not the experience I wanted for my offspring because travel is all about discovering yourself and exploring other cultures -- not sitting by the pool watching a flat screen. In this article from BootsnAll, learn how, through travel, to develop the kind of character we'd all like our kids to have.

At the Top with Heliopolis

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:52:27 +0000

When you're traveling in Egypt, there's no better way to experience the luxury of the pharaohs than by staying at the 5-star hotel. As you'll read in this article on CheapoAir, the Le Meridien Heliopolis is the ultimate in opulence.

TopTrips: Your Favorite Trips of 2009

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:08:30 +0000

Fans of TopTrips have been all over the globe this year! Take a look at some of your fellow travelers' favorite trips of 2009.


Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains	Caribbean Cruise

Las Vegas	West Palm Beach, Florida

Jamaica	Amelia Island Plantation

Riviera Maya, Mexico	Washington, DC

Carolina, Puerto Rico	Atlantis, Paradise Island

Yosemite National Park	Hawaii

Winter Wonder Lands

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:15:50 +0000

Snow, markets, mulled wine, ice-skating - if your Christmas break just wouldn't be the same without these fun festive frills, look no further than our pick of the top city breaks, packed full of Christmas spirit.

Checking Out Renovations Before Checking In

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:10:30 +0000

There's nothing I love more than staying in a newly renovated hotel. But I never thought to question a new design project until I read this article on Elliott.org. Make sure you take a look, too, before booking your next hotel stay.

Solo on the Go

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:41:17 +0000

If you've been used to traveling with a companion, striking out on your own after a break-up might be a little daunting. That's where Ex in the City comes in handy. Learn all about this great website for single gals on the go in this article from GoNomad.

Cold-Weather Cruising

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:32:53 +0000

Just because it's winter doesn't mean that you have to stay away from cruising Northern Europe. In fact, as you'll learn in this article from All Things Cruise, winter is one of the best seasons to visit Scandinavia.

Last-Minute Holiday Travel Tips

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:43:32 +0000

The gifts are wrapped, the cards have been mailed and the cookies are baked and you're almost ready to head out for the holidays. Before you turn the key in the lock, make sure you've got these last-minute travel tips from Consumer Traveler in your back pocket!

Early Bird Ski Deals

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:38:32 +0000

We've been trying to find good ski deals in our area, but they are few and far between! I was so excited to come across this article on TripWolf, cluing us all into some of the bargains that abound in the Northeast at the beginning of the ski season.

The Daddy Traveler

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:38:14 +0000

When I think of traveling with children I normally picture an overburdened mom with kids and carry-ons hanging off both arms. But let us not forget the dad's role in family travel! Read this new father's tale on Lonely Planet of taking on his most challenging journey yet - the Daddy Traveler.

Prepping for a Ski Vacation

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:37:58 +0000

Ski season is upon us and with the recent blizzard on the East Coast, the resorts are packed with snow. Before you pack the car and the gear, read these tips from CheapoAir and make sure you're prepared for your next winter adventure.

On Location in Miami

Nate McCormick — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:00:44 +0000

Miami. Home of swimsuits, skin and sun. Three days was plenty of time to soak up the taste of our southern-most beach. Let me start from the beginning...

I live and work in the greatest city in America -- New York. I am surrounded by hustle, bustle and energy 24 hours a day. Come summer time, however, many New Yorkers leave the city to the tourists and seize any opportunity to catch some fresh air elsewhere.

One such opportunity for me this past summer was to tag along with my friend Erica who does sales for a swimwear company. Her company is one of many that participate in Swim Week, a promotional event for swimwear designers to show off their goods while wining and dining potential clients. Who am I to pass up the opportunity to live at the beach for free for a week?

Arriving at the hotel on Collins Ave (one of two major thoroughfares paralleling the beach) it was late in the evening. I was not too enthusiastic about running around the city to find Erica who had flown ahead of me. Fortunately, while hotels in Miami have perfected the art of indoor/outdoor living space, Erica had perfected the art of making friends in our hotel's mixed-space lobby and was not hard to find.

The next morning, bright and early (at about 12:30pm) I woke up. Carpe Diem. I had a date with beach side service that was just waiting to bring me breakfast.

I learned quickly if you are going to stay in South Beach you need to stay at a hotel on the beach. If you are not on the beach, your hotel likely does not have beach service...and it quite possibly is the best thing known to man.

Imagine walking out of the gate to your hotel, facing the bright blue ocean. A golf cart zips you across the sand to chaise chairs set up with fluffy mattresses and towels - then the waiter comes. The only thing really better than the beach was the poolside service -- and only because the hotel's resident DJ played music all day.

In addition to plenty of beach action, we also took time to explore the city. We saw the Versace mansion. We saw Miami's unique form of banner advertising. And went back to see more of the beach.

On my last day in Miami, I tagged along with Erica to a few shows swimsuit shows. Companies had set up tents along the beach, Bryant Park style, and were working the runway. Not wanting to be outdone by the competition during Swim Week, Playboy swimwear created its own version of a runway show. No, Hef was not there. Yes, some of the models were Bunnies. Yes, the show was at a club that did not let me in at first because I was wearing a tank top. Classy.

The next morning I packed up, not forgetting the $14.99 shirt I bought to cover my tank top from the night before, and headed back to the airport. Goodbye Miami, I'll be back again for your beach service, but while sun is fun, New York is home.

TopTrips: Your Favorite Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:34:17 +0000

Another year is behind us -- how will you celebrate the end of 2009? We asked fans of TopTrips where they's most like to be to ring in the New Year and their choices range from places close to home to locales across the globe.


Key West, FL	New York City



Dubai	Hawaii



Kenya	Caribbean



Rio de Janeiro	Puerto Rico



Tybee Island, GA	Nashville, TN

How Travel Nurtures Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:04 +0000

Visiting new cultures and experiencing new ideas can create an expansion of your mind, the consequence of which is a better understanding of others, a more comprehensive credo, and a philanthropic philosophy.

Best Airports to Be Stranded

Joanne Poesch — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:47:40 +0000

If you've got to be stuck at an airport, whether because of a layover or delay, we think it should be somewhere cool. I just love Jet Blue's Terminal 5 at JFK with its free Wi-Fi and great selection of restaurants! Check out the other great airports chosen for their amenities and ability to keep air travelers entertained while stranded.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:30:04 +0000

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Get Away for Christmas for Less

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:38:19 +0000

Leisure air fares can be amazingly cheap in November and much of December--so, if you have vacation days that you need to use before the end of the year, why not spend the pre-holiday season abroad?

A Better Hostel

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:20:37 +0000

Forget everything you know about student hostels -- the cramped rooms; sparse furnishings and blah décor. Today a new breed of boutique hostel offers travelers an affordable and eye-catching place to stay.

Going It Alone Down Under

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:18:45 +0000

Why is Australia a great destination for solo travellers, especially for women traveling alone? Well, first of all, it offers a variety of sites for any taste and interest.

Debunking Holiday Travel Tips

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:14:59 +0000

You've heard them all before -- and you'll hear them again next year. But do you know which travel tips are the ones to really pay attention to? Check in with Elliott.org to get the real scoop on holiday travel.

Christmas Around the World

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:11:40 +0000

Nations from all around the world celebrate Christmas with their own distinctive traditions. These festivities can be astonishingly different but all provide a fascinating insight into local customs and cultures.

Gambling at the Peppermill

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:05:38 +0000

The readers of Casino Player and Nevada Magazine know a few things about how to find the best hotels and casino in Reno. So when they voted the Peppermill Hotel Reno the best of the best, you probably should believe them.

Best Beaches on Bonaire

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:53:42 +0000

While no diving initiate will be disappointed, Bonaire also has much to offer above the surface, although the beaches are mostly slivers of rocky sand, several take on a pink hue from ground coral washed ashore.

See Cuba by Bike

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:47:52 +0000

These days it seems there are two types of tourists who step foot in this politically charged land: those who are perfectly comfortable sipping mojitos and those who yearn to experience real Cuba.

Tracking On Board

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:31:20 +0000

One of the things that worried me about taking a cruise when my kids were younger was losing them in the vast expanse of the ship. Now parents can rest a little easier while cruising for their family vacation -- kid tracking is coming to a cruise near you!

Get in the Christmas Spirit

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:14:31 +0000

Forget about commercialized Christmas tunes and last-minute Christmas sales, here are 6 cities that could just make your Christmas dream come true.

Luxury Resorts in Crete

Joanne Poesch — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:13:36 +0000

A vacation in Greece is something many of us dream about, so why not live that dream to the fullest by staying at a luxury resort on the Greek island of Crete? DK Travel clues you in on the best places to stay from Elounda to Chania.

Royal Caribbean’s Biggest Ship Embraces Its Smallest Passengers

Alan Whitt — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:03:31 +0000

Kids of all ages have their own space on Royal Caribbean's new Oasis of the Seas - even those tiny tykes who won't even realize it.

For the first time, Royal Caribbean has fully-staffed nursery facilities - called Royal Babies and Tots - where parents can leave infants and toddlers as young as six-months old in the care of trained professionals. They'll even change those dirty diapers.

The colorful Royal Babies and Tots nursery area is part of the 28,000 square feet of space dedicated to guests under age 18 on the world's biggest cruise ship.

"Oasis of the Seas offers more of everything for every member of the family, including more for our younger guests," said Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean president & CEO. "The Youth Zone aboard Oasis of the Seas will continue to build on our award-winning Adventure Ocean youth and teen programs, and expand to include dedicated space and programming for our guests as young as six months old."

At full capacity, the Adventure Ocean facilities and staff can accommodate up to 2,000 youths.

And when parents are away from the kids they can remain connected. The muster wrist bands that all young children wear on Oasis of the Seas are equipped with GPS technology so parents will be able to track little Johnny anywhere on the ship in real time. They'll either need a Royal Connect smart phone, or they can go to guest services to check on a child's whereabouts.

What exactly is Royal Connect? It's a Royal Caribbean innovation that utilizes iPhones and allows passengers to stay in contact through calls and texting, track others with the device and view a mobile version of the Cruise Compass with daily activities. Each unit rents for $17.50 for the duration of the cruise.

"Our motto is, 'If we take care of the kids, we're going to have some happy parents,'" says Charley McDonald, director of guest activities for Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program is age-specific and separated into five categories:

- Royal Babies and Tots, ages 6-to-36 months

- Aquanauts, ages 3-to-5

- Explorers, ages 6-to-8

- Voyagers, ages 9-to-11

- Teens, ages 12-to-17

All categories, except for the nursery, are equipped with at least six Wii stations with loads of games to choose from.

Here's a taste of what's offered in each category:

- Royal Babies and Tots: In 2008, the Royal Caribbean fleet accommodated about 35,000 passengers under three - the minimum age for Adventure Ocean participants. The new nursery facilities addressed a need. Once onboard, parents must go to Kids Avenue on Deck 14 to register children before using the program. On Day 1, each family will be offered a set number of booking hours for the entire cruise. Remaining hours will be booked on a first-come, first serve basis. Each day will be themed, using activities & toys to teach children new skills. Every evening between 7:30-9 p.m. is "Twilight Time," with activities and bedtime stories geared towards getting kids ready for bed. Cost is $8.00 an hour, open 5:30 p.m.-midnight every evening, and day hours depending on the port.

- Argonauts, Explorers & Voyagers: Kids Avenue accesses all Adventure Ocean areas, including new features exclusive to Oasis of the Seas. Those include a totally PG-rated video arcade; the 100-seat Adventure Ocean Theater with production and talent shows; Imagination Studio for budding artist and sponsored by Crayola, a fully equipped science lab; and Play, an indoor playground - where parents are invited to participate. Kids 9-11 can sign themselves out with parental permission. There is no additional cost for kids to participate in the Adventure Ocean program - except a per-hour charge after-hours until 2 a.m.

- Teens: Just like home, teenagers want privacy. Royal Caribbean has been very accommodating, with two teens-only areas that include The Back Deck and the ultimate hangout - The Living Room. And in this living room, there's no mom and dad to tell teens to pick up behind themselves. The teens-only spaces are away from the other Adventure Ocean areas, a design change recommended by the Royal Caribbean Teen Advisory Board created last year. As a result, the teen areas are near the ship's sports deck, including the two FlowRider surf simulators, the Oasis Dunes miniature golf course and the basketball and volleyball court. Teens also have a chance to learn to spin and mix music in Scratch DJ 101 classes - part of the lines Scratch DJ Academy - or dance the night away at Fuel, a teen disco.

Of course, there are many more kid-friendly venues and activities on Oasis of the Seas not connected to the Adventure Ocean program, such as the AquaTheater shows, a carousel, a Johnny Rockets hamburger joint and much more.

All cruise passengers under age 18 not accompanied by a parent or guardian have a 1 a.m. curfew.

Alan Whitt is an award-winning journalist with a passion for cruising. Over the last 13 years he has spent what equates to more than a year at sea. Alan has written news and feature stories on the cruise industry for The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville, many of Gannett’s 80-plus newspapers and other publications as a freelance journalist. You can reach Alan at mytravelbf@ymail.com. Read More from Alan

TopTrips: Cruises You Can’t Miss

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:58:31 +0000

Wave season is almost upon us - do you have your next cruise planned and booked? If you're still looking for ideas, check out what some of your fellow travelers have to say about their favorite cruise lines.

Be sure to share your picks for the best time at sea with us!

Carnival
I took a Carnival cruise with my family from San Juan to St. Thomas, Aruba, Dominica, and Barbados in 2006. It was a great vacation!

The only cruise I have been on was on Carnival to Jamaica, Caymans, and Cozumel. Great fun! I just wish I would not have gone in February as the water was cold!

I take Carnival Conquest out of Galveston every spring break! Stops have been Cozumel, Montego Bay, and Grand Cayman. It's a great ship, great staff and lots of fun! I have been on nine cruises with two cruise lines and four different ships! Carnival Conquest is by far my favorite!

My daughter's wedding/cruise was perfect! A group of 24 of us sailed after her wedding with Carnival and went to Halifax and St. John's -- we had the greatest time.

I sailed with the Carnival Triumph to the Eastern Caribbean. We had great weather and great time! I would go every year if I could!

One of my favorites is the Carnival Destiny out of San Juan to St. Thomas, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts, and the Dominican Republic.

Princess Cruises
I went on Grand Princess cruise when I was a kid that started in Barcelona, ended in Istanbul, lasted for two weeks, and hit six countries. It was amazing!

I really enjoyed the Sea Princess to Alaska. The cruise started in Vancouver and it was wonderful!

My sister and I cruise every year, and I have to say Princess Cruise Line is one of the best. We have done the Mexico area and are going to the Florida area next. Make sure and sign up for Shore excursions -- love them!

Royal Caribbean
I took did a Caribbean cruise in March on RCL to Antigua. St Lucia, Barbados, and St Kitts - the stops were great!

I sailed Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas in September 2002 to the Western Caribbean. Absolutely perfect - both the ship and the destinations!

My trip with Royal Caribbean with stops at Dunns River Falls, Jamaica, and an island/beach reserved for the cruisers...awesome!

Royal Caribbean -- loved it! Our stops were St. Thomas, St, Marteen and all the other beautiful Caribbean islands!

I took Royal Caribbean to Belize. The ports were great, people were friendly and they had things for every age group and for those traveling without kids. The activities were planned far enough apart that you could still have a romantic time...

I had a wonderful trip with the family onboard a Royal Caribbean 7-day cruise from Puerto Rico.

With something for everyone, I plan on taking another Royal Caribbean cruise with my kids soon!

Disney
My husband and I have taken our three kids on cruises and the Disney Cruises have been the best that we have been on so far. Leaving out of Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Magic stops at St. Thomas, St. John, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. We're taking another cruise this winter aboard Disney Magic to the Bahamas!

The Disney cruise was fantastic! They have children's programs that my kids will never forget and with these, moms are able to go to the quiet side of the ship or shopping once ported!

More Cruise Reviews
I sailed the British Virgin Islands on the Windjammer Legacy in 2007. It was the most amazing week of my life! We left out of St. Maarten and went to St. Barth's, Norman Island, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke. Fabulous!

I've been on several cruises and Celebrity's cruise to Greece and Royal Caribbean to Alaska were my top two.

I'm going to cruise the Galapagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions in Nov 2010. Can't wait. They're affiliated with National Geographic, so it should be great!

I love the Delbert McClinton Blues Cruise to the Caribbean. There are lots of bands playing, the attire is casual and the people are great!

I sailed through the British Virgin Islands on the Tall Ship Caledonia by Canadian Sailing adventures. It was surrealistic! Sailing on a pirate ship is unlike any other cruise in the world. You feel the wind and the sea and you feel like an adventurer! And while it looks like a pirate ship you still have all the comforts you need and meals worthy of a four star restaurant.

Traveling in Love

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:21:50 +0000

When I told my friends and family that I was heading to California to drive down the coast with my then boyfriend, they thought I was crazy. Traveling together, they said, was the surest way to end a new relationship. Six years later, my now husband is my favorite traveling companion! If you're thinking about taking a trip with your significant other, read this article from GoNomad before you book the tickets.

In the Pink at the Flamingo

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:17:07 +0000

South Africa is an amazing country with more activities than you can shake a stick at. Once you've climbed Table Mountain, tasted the wines of the Cape and enjoyed a wilderness safari, head over to Kimberley and try your luck at the Flamingo Casino.

Beaching in Cameroon

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:13:42 +0000

Cameroon's coastline, situated at the foot of Mount Cameroon, is a succession of idyllic deserted beaches occasionally interrupted by small fishing villages and ancient lava flow formations in the sea.

Going for Adventure

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:08:08 +0000

Getting ready for an adventure vacation isn't like packing for a week at the beach. While you're preparing for your trip, keep these travel tips in mind and you'll be sure to have an amazing adventure.

Gearing Up for Baby

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:55:41 +0000

My husband and I are looking for baby travel gear that's sturdy and durable for around the world travel. What do you suggest for first time parents? Read More

Seeing Free

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:51:24 +0000

One of the things I love most about living in the US is all the things to see and do that are totally free! Check out this guide from BootsnAll on five fantastic places across American that you can explore and enjoy without spending a dime.

Las Vegas in Luxury

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:47:01 +0000

With al its glitz and glamour, Las Vegas is by far one of the most luxurious places to travel in the US. But opulence is taken to the next level in the luxury suites that top the hotels on the Strip. Get an inside look at these sweet sleeps from Destination360.

Pushing the Limits

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:36:58 +0000

On more than one occasion, I've found myself sprinting to the gate to make a flight before the cabin door shut. Fortunately, I've made it every time without having to resort to any of these tactics other travelers have used to get on board!

Holiday Travel Gift Guide

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:26:46 +0000

Never fear, shoppers! There's still plenty of time to get the perfect holiday gift for the travelers on your list! If you're stuck for ideas, Elliott.org has the ultimate guide to can't-miss gifts for those on the go.

MSC Cruises building towards year-round USA presence

Alan Whitt — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:36:30 +0000

You would think that the acquisition of 10 cruise ships in less than seven years - at a cost of $7 billion - would be enough.

That's not how things operate at MSC Cruises.

"There will be more," said Rick Sasso, president & CEO of the private-owned Italian line MSC Cruises (USA). "We're going to need more ships to explore the world before us."

That world will likely include at least one ship year-round in the United States and another on the West coast. The Mexican Riviera and Alaska ... Italian-style?

"We already have the design plans for the next two (ships) after Magnifica (in 2010),' says Sasso. " We're just waiting for a slot; the shipyards are very busy with all the brands building new ships."

MSC brings one of its newbuilds to the United States every November before heading back to Europe in the spring. But MSC Poesia, currently based out of Ft. Lauderdale doing 3-, 5- and 8-day cruises, will return in September 2010 for a series of Fall Foliage voyages out of New York - with stops in Boston and Quebec - in an effort to make the brand more recognizable.

Long-term plans call for three to five ships in the United States. But MSC will have to battle the brand image of companies like Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean, cruise lines that have more than a 30-year head start.

"Even Celebrity, which is only 20 years old ... they have brand awareness," says Sasso. "We don't, because we're small in the market. But as we do New York ... bring more ships earlier ... as people become more aware of our brand, it will allow us more confidence to put more ships here, even year round."

Sasso believes that the opportunity to try something different will sell in this part of the world.

"There's a benefit to cruising on a European ship in the Caribbean," he said. "You have European ambiances; an extra little style about it. It's not American, but we cater to Americans."

MSC Poesia: Ship offers authentic Italian in the Caribbean

Alan Whitt — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:25:06 +0000

What you realize with MSC Poesia is that this is a different experience than Americans are accustomed to on a Caribbean cruise. If you understand that, you could enjoy this Italian dish.

The 93,300-ton ship is decidedly Italian. The Il Grappolo d'Oro Wine Bar serves only Italian wines. Italian regional specialties can be found each night in both dining rooms. The pizza is genuine. And the gelato ... is molto delizioso!

But that same authenticity could make this a once-and-done experience for the uninformed. You need to know what you're buying before you get there - and that is ... an Italian cruise, complete with a European attitude from crew members and passengers alike.

Americans visit Italy every year, immersing themselves in the genuine experience ... savoring the food, the culture and the people. To really enjoy this ship, just understand that MSC is bringing Italy to you.

An informed cruiser usually ends up a happy cruiser.

MSC Cruises - MSC Crociere, if you speak the language -bills itself as "the most modern fleet in the world" with 10 of its' 11 ships - including MSC Magnifica in March 2010 - built since 2003, at a cost of $7 billion.

MSC Poesia is a gorgeous ship with an understated elegance, superior live entertainment every night in the main theater and some of the best desserts - especially the cheesecake - on the seven seas. MSC prides itself in having the cleanest fleet in the business and this ship is meticulously maintained.

The Italian and other Mediterranean dishes are excellent, and the different carving station meat served each day at the Villa Pompeiana Cafeteria is tender and juicy. But some passengers said they want more variety than the single American entrée offered nightly at Le Fontane and Il Palladio restaurants; or the hamburgers and hot dogs served every day at Villa Pompeiana along with various pastas and salads.

And be aware that an American staple - lemonade - is not served in either of the dining rooms or the cafeteria, only water and ice tea.

Where MSC Poesia stands out is the live shows at the elegant Carlo Felice Theatre. Standard cruise fare calls for shows twice on a seven-day cruise. On this ship it's a different show every night of a five-night cruise - each about 45 minutes long.

Although there is no live orchestra, the dancers are a cut above those on mainstream cruise lines; the two vocalists - especially the powerful voice of Mimma Barra - may make Simon Cowell rethink his putdown of cruise ship entertainers; and the costumes and sets are colorful and first rate.

The shows - ranging from the Las Vegas funfest "Sin City," to a journey through Italy sung entirely in Italian, to whimsical offerings of "Atlantis" and "Euphoria" - are a mix of singers, dancers and other talented performers including acrobats and a high-energy juggling act.

Again, the all-Italian language show may be too much for some Americans. An hour after the show, Bob from Texas is on an elevator telling a friend: "They were singing in some foreign language and I didn't understand a word they said."

As you stroll along the decks of MSC Poesia, whether it's through the black-and-white striped Zebra Bar, past the Kaito Sushi Bar or one of the duty free stores; or relaxing in the soothing delight of a massage at Aurea Spa, you'll hear Italian spoken by crew and passengers alike.

Wherever you dine, including the L'Obelisco specialty restaurant or the pizzeria, you'll taste Italian.

And when you're done with your cruise, you'll probably say, "That's Italian." Whether you'll be happy with that depends on what your expectations were from the beginning.

NOTE: MSC Poesia sails on 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-night cruises from Ft. Lauderdale through, April 24 before returning to the Mediterranean on a 19-night transatlantic cruise beginning April 27.

Five questions with MSC Cruises president/CEO Rick Sasso

Alan Whitt — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:04:41 +0000

Rick Sasso, president/CEO of MSC Cruises (USA) since 2004, is a 36-year veteran in the cruise industry and was an original member of the management team that created Celebrity Cruises in 1990, eventually serving as the premium line's president from 1995-2001. Sasso sat down with TopTrips.com during his President's Cruise aboard MSC Poesia's maiden USA voyage to answer our five questions:

For the uninformed - What is MSC Cruises? Give it a personality.

I think it's the fact we're a privately-owned company. Our goal and our focus is always directed to customer satisfaction. Because we're privately-owned, it allows us not to worry about what the analysts are saying ... what the stock market says the company's doing. We focus on the customer. So it's attention to that detail, and the private ownership allows us to pay that much attention to it. The personality of the brand comes out in the staff. We have beautiful ships - as you've seen, but to me the character and soul of any cruise line is its management team onshore, and the staff and management on the ship. And if we believe that our customers are first priority, it will provide them a good cruise experience. The character is about our private company and our staff.

You're selling MSC to our readers. Why should someone book and MSC Cruise over the familiar brands Americans are accustomed to?

There are many icons of our brand that I think many cruise lines have forgotten about in terms of delivering an experience. One of them is housekeeping. We probably have the cleanest ships in the world. I challenge anybody to find a cleaner ship on the planet Earth than an MSC ship. We practice the lost art of cruising, which are ... one, a quiet ship. You will notice we don't make a lot of announcements onboard. Why? The purpose of that is not to make an announcement every 10 minutes about bingo, horse racing, art auction, drink of the day ... we don't want to interfere with people's enjoyment. There's an art of cruising that we call quiet ships that most companies don't practice because their goal is to get you to spend money onboard; and our goal is to pamper you by not interfering with your holiday.

'White Glove Service' is another icon of our brand. You notice when you walk onboard we escort everyone to their stateroom. When people travel, they're usually a little bit disheveled, and they're a little bit confused. We think people need be handheld a little bit. So the White Glove Service is a style to give people a chance to let us help you through this vacation experience; and escorting to the cabin is the best example of that I can give you ... where most cruise lines today welcome you onboard, pointing you in one direction or the other and it's up to you to go carry your hand-held luggage and find your stateroom. We pay a lot of attention to entertainment. I believe we have the best entertainment at sea, and I can make that statement because I know why we have the best entertainment: We hire the best talent. So someone singing in the showroom or someone dancing in the showroom is going to give you goose bumps. It's not just a show in a theater on a ship. It's a presentation of quality and art; of music, dance and singing. In order to do that, you need to hire the absolute best talent. We are probably the one cruise line that focuses on hiring the best talent. I think our entertainment is the reason people should cruise with us. The rest is as you've seen. We have beautiful, soft, elegant ships. They're all new. We have the youngest fleet in the industry. We've grown faster than any cruise line has ever grown, which means we've invested more money.

And I think the combination of all that, with how much we charge - which is very little - makes it the best holiday at sea. I think that's why we're different.

MSC & Costa are both "Italian" cruises. In your mind - what are the differences?

I don't draw distinctions between any cruise line and ours. I believe that every cruise line is good. I believe that every brand has its attributes. And there is a cruise for everyone. This brand fits a customer who obviously wants new, clean and affordable and a variety of destinations. It's really a matter of where do you want to go, and how would you like to be pampered when you go there?

You've heard the phrase "What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas." What happens on an MSC cruise, people brag about.

I never say that "this brand's better than that, we're better than them because of ..."

We know what we are. We offer a European product, with beautiful ships, great food and entertainment, and we think that is our virtue.

What about the fall Foliage cruises out of New York City and Quebec in 2010?

We're a new company to North America. We're a 20-year-old cruise line, but we've focused most of our attention in Europe for the last 20 years. But more specifically in the last five, when the company has grown so fast, it has given us an opportunity to say "hey, we can be other than just a European company. We can be a South American company; we can be a U.S., North American brand. So we've been bringing our new hardware here for the last five years.

And because of that our goal has now accelerated, where people in the Northeast ... they've heard of MSC. Maybe not like they've heard of Princess; but they're beginning to say, ah, there's this European, privately-owned brand, very nice new ships. We've been there a few times on one-day calls. And we've noticed that the travel agents in the Northeast are very, very strong on our brand. We're delivering a pretty good product.

So the next logical extension for us is to bring the ship where the people are. Florida is our home base, but we're going to extend that a little bit by starting our cruises out of New England. Get's the ship here earlier. Instead of coming in November, we can bring the ship from Europe in September and do those cruises in New England and Canada.

It just adds another dimension to our variety.

Kids sail free - what's the strategy?

We believe that family cruising is probably one of main future opportunities for cruising in general. Why? Multigenerational travel is becoming high order, of more value. People who have cruised for many years are going to have grandkids. And they're going to want to take them on a cruise to introduce them to the kind of thing that they've been doing for 20 or 30 years. We believe that family travel is important and will be a future opportunity for a cruise line. Children are obviously the nucleus of that, so we wanted to have as a marketing tool something different and that is that kids sail free who are 17 or under. We may change that to 12 and under, but kids still sail free whether it's Christmas, New Year's, or Caribbean. We're a family, adult cruise line, but we also understand family travel and want to cater to the younger set.

Five Great Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Rome

Kathy McCabe — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:58:53 +0000

There are few more enchanting places to spend Christmas than in Rome Italy. The Eternal City comes to life in a most magical way - still celebrating the holiday devoid of the massive commercialism of many other countries. Food, family and religion are at the heart of Roman celebrations.

1. It is too late to get seats inside St. Peter's Basilica as the Pope officiates at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, but you can join the faithful outside in the square. Worshippers congregate well ahead of midnight to watch the Pope on the big screen in St. Peter's Square. There's also a life-size nativity scene on display.

2. If you're looking for an alternative to Midnight Mass at the Vatican, how about attending mass at one of Rome's other notable landmarks - the Pantheon. No tickets are necessary but plan to arrive before 10 p.m. to secure seats. You'll be treated to beautiful Gregorian chants during the service.

3. Rome's main Christmas market takes place in Piazza Navona between late November and the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. You will find numerous stands - covered in twinkling Christmas lights - selling candy, other sweet treats and small toys. Don't be surprised to catch a glimpse of Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) or the zampognari, shepherds from the Abruzzo region, who dress in native costumes and play Christmas tunes on their bagpipes.

4. Romans and Italians alike are crazy about Nativity scenes or presepi as they are called in Italian. For over 30 years, 100 or more presepi have been on display each Christmas season in the Sale del Bramante in Piazza del Popolo. Some of the crèches date back to the 17^th century and show the incredible craftsmanship of Neapolitan artists who carefully hand make the figures.

5. If you haven't gotten your fill those hundred, you can always pay a visit to Rome's museum devoted to nativity scenes -- probably one of the city's least known museums but worth a visit nonetheless. Museo del Presepio, is run by the Italian Association of Friends of the Nativity, which was founded in Rome in 1953, with the mission of keeping alive the tradition of the crib. The museum contains over 3,000 figures from all the regions of Italy as well as from many other nations. Check the Web site for special holiday opening times.

Buon Natale (Merry Christmas) to all those spending Christmas in Rome or just dreaming of a Roman Christmas!

To learn more about traveling to Italy for the holidays or enjoying an Italian-inspired Christmas or New Year's Eve, download Dream of Italy's free 35-page Christmas in Italy guide filled with travel tips, Italian holiday traditions and recipes.

Looking for a unique gift for the Italophile (even if it is you) in your life? Dream of Italy has been recommended National Geographic Traveler, USA Today, U.S. + News and World Report and more. Our holiday gift subscription package includes 10 issues over the coming year (online or by mail), online access to over 70 back issues including special reports on everywhere from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily and the BONUS DVD Visions of Italy: The Great Cities. Everyone who subscribes or buys a gift subscription this holiday season ALSO receives FREE online subscription with BONUS DVD to give as a gift. That's 2-for-1 subscriptions!

Our Favorite Islands

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:00:03 +0000

With all the amazing places to visit in Italy, it's hard to choose the perfect itinerary. Once you've taken in all the must sees like Rome, Venice and Florence, why not hit the coast and pick the perfect Italian island to explore with these tips from BootsnAll?

Trumping AC

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:51:17 +0000

Living as an Indian prince has never been easier since Donald Trump gifted the world with his fantastic Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City Hotel. Read More

Secrets of the Caribbean

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:43:13 +0000

The Caribbean isn’t all just yachts and cruise ports (or souvenir hassle). Here are a handful of the region’s great experiences that don’t get as much press, but deliver unbeatable trips.

A Hot Adventure

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:37:59 +0000

Every country boasts a natural wonder. However, Costa Rica has good reason to call Volcano Arenal its natural wonder! So what’s so special about this place?

It’s a Dream

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:32:44 +0000

Traveling with kids can be hit or miss, but the odds are in your favor for a huge hit when you take your family on a cruise with Carnival's latest addition, Dream.

Leave the Fees Behind

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:27:08 +0000

There's nothing that ruins a flight more than having to pay for your checked baggage. I've found a great way to avoid these fees on certain airlines (read upgrades!), but here are seven other travel tips to keep cash in your pocket for the trip, instead of giving it to the airlines.

A Hotel for All

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:23:15 +0000

Whether you want to get close to nature, indulge yourself or even shift a few pounds on holiday, traveldk.com is packed with hotels that give you the experience you’re after from the moment you wake up to the second you go to sleep.

Oasis of the Seas

Alan Whitt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:01:29 +0000

It would take an entire seven-day cruise - and probably more - to experience all that Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas has to offer. This ship is tailor-made for a repeat visit.

So how do you judge the biggest cruise ship ever imagined in just two days?

That's the question before boarding Oasis of the Seas for a quick-hit cruise that's definitely too short. You can judge a cruise ship in two days; but not the experiences that make a cruise special.

Oasis of the Seas was less than two-thirds full on this special cruise for the media and travel agents, so it is impossible to determine what it would be like with more than 5,400 guests on a full cruise.

And must-see, much-publicized cruise ship firsts - such as the Aqua Theater water shows and the shipboard version of the Broadway musical "Hairspray" in the Opal Theater - were dark.

Despite those downers one thing is clear - this ship is surprisingly easy to navigate. Those who worry that the ship is "too big" can relax. It was easier to get around Oasis of the Seas than most 95,000-ton ships. Making it simple for the directionally-challenged are touch screens on each deck with your location, directions to get to your next destination and a "What's happening now" category.

Royal Caribbean's 225,000-ton flagship dwarfs other vessels at Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades on this day - including Carnival Miracle, Island Princess, MSC Poesia and Holland America's Statendam.

First impression on seeing the ship at Terminal 18 ... is a resounding Wow! The width itself is impressive; the layers of oceanview balconies are eye-popping. This ship is big enough to have a zip code.

As you board Oasis of the Seas onto the Royal Promenade you quickly begin to understand that this ship is functional despite its' massive size, and it is truly an original. How can it be so bright on an enclosed Deck 5 of a ship 18 decks high? The openness and colorful array of shops, lounges and eateries ramp up the anticipation, and you'll want to drop your luggage at your stateroom as soon as possible and get to exploring.

On my return home I met a man whose wife won't cruise because the thought of no land in sight bothers her. This floating city - the result of Royal Caribbean's cozy "neighborhood" concept with seven distinct areas forming this oasis on the open seas - can almost make you forget you're on an ocean bound cruise ship.

Whether you're strolling along the open-air, floral paradise of Central Park; sipping your favorite wine as the Rising Tides bar levitates from the Royal Promenade to Central Park three decks up; or taking in a few yuks at Comedy Live along the Entertainment Place corridor of clubs and lounges - there isn't an ocean in sight.

Want a balcony cabin, but fear the ocean out your sliding door? Try a Central Park balcony that looks to the open sky but with a view and scent of 12,000 types and plants, scrubs and trees.

Or get a balcony overlooking The Boardwalk - another neighborhood first complete with a full-size carousel, the Seafood Shack restaurant, a donut shop, ice cream parlor, candy store and a near perfect view of the AquaTheater.

Two warnings about a Boardwalk balcony cabin:

1. It can get a bit noisy with the entertainment going on below if you like to sleep at odd hours during the day.

2. Sheer curtains do not block the view for balconies across the way. Unless you're an exhibitionist, close the curtains. Some bodies can ruin an appetite.

In all, there are 31 categories of cabins and suites on this ship.

Speaking of appetites, you won't go hungry on Oasis of the Seas. The Windjammer Café is smaller than those on other Royal Caribbean ships because of the many culinary options.

Including the surprisingly intimate, three-level Opus main dining rooms there are 24 places to eat onboard Oasis of the Seas, most included in the price of the cruise. Others charge a fee - from the ultra-exclusive Chef's Table for $75 a pop; to the signature 150 Central Park restaurant at $35; to a $2.50 tasty baked treat at the Cupcake Cupboard on the Royal Promenade.

Dinner on the second night at the health-conscious Solarium Bistro was deceptively tasty, including a salmon dish and several desserts I'm assured won't show up on my waistline in the coming days.

Also new to the dining repertoire is Dine in Delights on the room service menu, offering options ranging from the Johnny Rockets hamburgers to Ghirardelli chocolate cookies at $3.95 an order. Standard room service items are free, except for midnight-5 a.m. ($3.95).

There's something for everyone on Oasis of the Seas:

- Sitting on the Central Park benches dotted along the way - a great place to simply relax, hold a conversation or listen to the nearby band as the sea air mingles with the smell of flora.

- The two-tiered, adults-only Solarium at the front of the ship, complete with private Cabanas, pools, whirlpools, its' own bar and the bistro.

- Adventure Ocean has expanded programs for kids that include a science lab, theater and a G-rated video arcade. There's a Royal Babies & Tots nursery that accepts those as young as six-months old for a fee - diaper-changing included.

- Teens have three dedicated areas, including a "no-adults-allowed" hangout called The Living Room.

- Burn calories rock-climbing, surfing on FlowRiders, swimming, working out at the Vitality at Sea fitness center or making like a daredevil on a zipline 10 decks above the Boardwalk.

- Or catch the "Frozen In Time" ice show at Studio B at Entertainment Place, or live music at any number of clubs and lounges throughout the ship.

No matter how much you try it doesn't seem possible to experience all the food, clubs, shows and activities on this ship in a week. However, Royal Caribbean always makes it easy to book another cruise before you even leave the ship.

Speaking of bookings, cabins remain for Oasis of the Seas' inaugural sailing Dec. 5. The cheapest inside cabin goes for $1,299; balconies at $1,699.

But if you're patient bargains can be had. You can book Oasis of the Seas for a January 29, 2011 cruise for $849 inside, $1,199 balcony. That same cruise a year earlier - January 30, 2010 - will run you $1,899 and $2,249.

For Italy Lovers: Sign up for a FREE Christmas in Italy Guide

Susan Fogwell — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:02:59 +0000

Dream of Italy is an award winning newsletter subscription devoted to enriching readers' lives with the absolute on Italy.

As 2009 comes to a close, Dream of Italy is offering a celebratory treat with the New Year. In early 2010, the newsletter editors will be sending free daily e-mails titled "Italian Daydreams." The insightful "dispatches" are worth their weight in little gold nuggets. From the discerning and frequent traveler to the occasional traveler to Italy, the insightful tips on food, wine, the arts, and culture are not to be missed.

In addition to the daily gratis e-mails, it's an absolute must to take advantage of the FREE COPY of Dream of Italy's brand new e-book Christmas in Italy: Traditions, Travel Tips and Recipes. By signing up for the daily e-mail at www.ItalianDaydreams.com, you will automatically receive the 35-page guide. It includes invaluable information such as where to obtain tickets to see the pope at Midnight Mass to Italy's best Christmas markets. And there are tips on how to celebrate an Italian-style Christmas and New Years at home or on vacation in Italy.

To sign up for the free daily e-mails, or if you prefer, a weekly digest, go to www.ItalianDaydreams.c om. You will promptly receive a confirmation e-mail. Simply click the link and download Christmas in Italy: Traditions, Travel Tips and Recipes for free.

Susan Fogwell is a flight attendant for a major international airline, freelance writer and seasoned world traveler. She flies over 300,000 miles per year staying in hotels ranging from ultra luxury resorts to cozy inns, and everything in between. For travel tips and questions, send an e-mail to susanfogwell@aol.com Read More from Susan

The Wrapadoo: For Traveling Gals on the Go

Susan Fogwell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:40:09 +0000

Now that I own a Wrapadoo, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to live without one. After washing my hair, I always flipped my head over and twisted a bath towel around my head. With the slightest tilt of the head, the bath towel would invariably fall off.

The Wrapadoo is the perfect solution. It not only stays securely on my head, it prevents serious tangling.

Orange County, CA mom, Cynthia Saito, was motivated by her daughter, Zoe, to design a product for wet hair. When Zoe was 3, her long hair would be sopping wet after a bath; bath towels were too big or too small to stay put on her head. Water from her dripping hair got on everything, and when she flipped her head over, she literally sprayed the walls. So Cynthia set out to devise a product for wet hair, which also could be secured in three simple steps. The result is the Wrapadoo. The best part: there’s no need to flip a wet head of hair over to secure it.

The days of using a twisted bath towel are over. After washing my hair, I place the ultra soft and plush Wrapadoo (with a terry lining) on my head. My hair is long and thick, so the lightweight Wrapadoo helps to prevent serious tangling. After a couple of twists with the tail and a loop, it’s nice and snug. And the faux jewel on the front adds a touch of glam. It’s ideal for women travelers. I take the Wrapadoo on trips. Weighing in at 7oz, it doesn’t take up any space in my suitcase.

When using a deep conditioner or hair masque, the Wrapadoo assists in nourishing your locks, too. I even used it at the spa and, the next time I head for the beach, I’ll use it for when I want to give my tresses a break from the intense sun.

It’s been a couple of years since Cynthia, a former professional ice skater, originally came up with her practical and creative idea. Her Wrapadoo collection for women and girls can be purchased on-line at www.wrapadoo.com. Wrapadoos for women are $75, for girls $65, and mother and daughter Wrapadoo sets are $135.

TopTrips: 6 Welcome Winter Getaways

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:28 +0000

No matter if you're looking for fun in the sun or a snuggle by a roaring fire for your next cold-weather getaway, here are our top picks for the best places to escape this winter.

Utah
You don't have to have a board or two strapped to your feet to enjoy The Greatest Snow on Earth®. There are plenty of winter activities to keep the blood flowing, and you, warm. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice-fishing, tubing, sledding, and even snowkiting are all just a short drive away.

Sedona
With fewer crowds and the red rocks dusted with snow, Sedona is an amazing place to visit in the winter. The weather is still pretty good -- with highs in the upper 50s and 60s - and no snow to hamper your enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Key West
If winter gets you down, head south - way south! The Florida Keys are the ideal destination for all snowbirds-in-training and the sun, surf and sand won't disappoint. Head there in December and you'll also get a taste of the Keys' party atmosphere when you attend its kickin' New Year's Eve celebration.

London
The airfare is cheap, the tourists have all gone home and there's a hot toddy waiting in every corner pub; what more do you need to convince you to that winter could be the best time to visit London? Nip into the city's plethora of museums and historic sites when there's a chill in the air and the culture will warm you in no time.

New Hampshire
When you think of the quintessential winter getaway, chances are you'll picture snow-covered mountains, sipping hot cocoa by the fire and sleigh rides through woods - and chances are pretty good that the place you're imagining is New Hampshire. With its abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, the little piece of New England will delight your sense and ignite your holiday spirit.

Mammoth, CA
If you're looking for outstanding winter activities, there's no better place than Mammoth, CA. With world-class skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiles and dog sledding, Mammoth has outdoor fun for the entire family.

How to Get a Cruise Bargain

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:05:41 +0000

When you're booking your next cruise, don't settle for the sticker price! Follow this advice from Consumer Traveler and you'll get the best deals on the high seas.

Grenada the Great

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:00:23 +0000

Granada has an edge over other Andalucian cities. Many visitors don’t get past the allure of the Alhambra, with its woods and the Sierra Nevada as magnificent backdrops, and the mystery of the winding streets of the Albayzín.

Don’t Drink and Fly

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:57:22 +0000

It seems like a pretty simple directive -- don't get plastered before you get on a commercial airline. But you'd be surprised at how many people knock back one too many and become their own in-flight entertainment. Check out this article from Elliott.org before you order that next drink.

Cashing in on Casinos

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:54:23 +0000

The nightlife in Nicaragua does not end with the bustling streets filled with restaurants, cafés and nightclubs. Visitors are also able to try their lucky hands in the casinos in Nicaragua. Casinos

Resting on the Beach

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:51:39 +0000

There are so many amazing hotels in Hawaii, it can be a daunting task trying to choose which one to book. In this article from CheapoAir, you'll get the scoop on which are the best resort hotels on Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

Climb Every Mountain

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:47:56 +0000

While you may not be able to climb all the mountains of the world in your lifetime, there are six that you really should make a good effort to. This article from BootsnAll gives you their top six -- from Cape Town's Table Mountain to the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Vacation, Baby

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:44:28 +0000

It's a relatively new trend in travel -- expectant parents take that final romantic getaway before their little one arrives. These babymoons are a great chance to reconnect and get some much-needed relaxation before your world is turned upside down. Get tips for where to go in this article from Rand McNally.

Cheapest Places Across the Globe

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:40:33 +0000

"I am very interested in what people think are the cheapest countries in the world to visit. I'm talking in terms of buying power when you get there rather than costs of flights, etc." Read More

London’s Luxury Eats

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:36:52 +0000

Sure, when you travel to London, it's not the first place you think of for good food, but it definitely is at the top of the list when it comes to luxury. From the opulence of Harrods' food courts to the elegance of Daylesford Organic, this article from GoNomad will have you hopping on the next flight across the pond -- in first class, of course.

10 Essentials for an Extended Journey

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:31:28 +0000

There's quite a difference between packing for a week-long vacation and a six-month hiatus. Before you head off on the latter, get travel tips from this TripWolf writer and be sure to pack these 10 essential items including everything from and extra laptop battery to seasonings.

Off the Boat

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:30:23 +0000

For those who have never taken a cruise because they think they'll be stuck on the ship every day, we offer this article from All Things Cruise. Read about one traveler's most amazing shore excursions and you'll never look at cruises the same way again.

Hot n’ Cold

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:25:41 +0000

The weather is cooling down and many North Americans are grudgingly trading in their teeny two-piece for a wool coat and gloves-but just because the seasons are changing doesn’t mean there is no more spring. Hot spring, that is. Read More

Fun After the Sun

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:20:23 +0000

Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean's hottest destinations, but it's what happens when the sun goes down and the nights get cool that's the most fun. While more laid back than Las Vegas, the resorts of Punta Cana have some great casinos where the gambling is always fun.

Top 10 Beach Survival Tips

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:11:44 +0000

While this list of beach survival tips from DK Travel focuses on Spain's Costa Blanca region, we think they're useful for beach travelers around the globe! If you're hitting the sand this winter, don't forget these hints for making the most of your time in the sun.

Heading North

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:07:11 +0000

It's usually only the most seasoned travelers who sign up for a Scandinavian vacation, but the rest of you are missing out on an amazing destination. This article from Visit Europe is a great overview the adventures that await you in the far north of the continent.

The Littlest Cruisers

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:57:21 +0000

Some parents are wary of cruising with their young children, but there's no reason why the grown-ups need to forfeit their own fun on the seas when kids can have just as much fun on a cruise. Check out this primer from All Things Cruise on how to travel with babies and toddlers.

Hometown Cheap

Joanne Poesch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:52:58 +0000

What are the top ten most popular and cheapest US destinations? 10. Austin, Texas 9. Las Vegas, Nevada 8. Baltimore, Maryland Read More

I Wish I’d Thought of That: Travel Tips from a World Traveler

Max Hartshorne — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:43:18 +0000

I've been traveling on international trips about 10 times a year for the past five years. Since that time I've compiled the following tips that in most cases occurred to me after I wished I had thought of them. Below are some recommendations that will make your next trip easier and safer.

1. If you're given a piece of paper by customs or somebody else with a uniform in the airport, save it in your wallet...even if you don't know what it is. You will most likely be asked for it again on your way home.

2. Ask to sit in an aisle seat or in an exit row when you check in if you get antsy and anxious during a flight. Being able easily get up and move around when everyone is sleeping in the dark cabin can make you feel much better.

3. Have your passport scanned and email it to yourself before you leave. Take all of your credit cards and copy them onto a piece of paper along with the phone numbers of the credit card companies so you can easily cancel them if they are lost or stolen.

Do the same with prescriptions if you would be in trouble without them; having that info makes refilling them much easier abroad. If you've emailed them they can easily be retrieved on line.

4. Tell your bank you are leaving the country so that when you use your cards abroad, they won't think someone has stolen them and deactivate them.

5. Always put your passport in exactly the same place, preferably in a secure pocket of your carry-on. Put it back in the same place every time you're finished with it, and never leave it in your jacket or in random places. Forget all of those airline papers emails you printed out, all you need to check in is that passport.

6. Limit your baggage to one big suitcase and one carry-on. Use a backpack with a lot of room for the carry-on; if you have more try to fit it all in so that you have just two things to carry. It's super easy to always have everything if it is just two, three bags tempts fate that you'll forget something.

7. If you're loaded up with more than you can bring home in two bags, consider mailing or shipping the excess back. With security and ground transport, it's just too easy to forget something.

8. Bring a hat if you're visiting South America, Australia or New Zealand, and throw in a few bottles of sunscreen. The southern hemisphere has higher incidence of skin cancer because of the ozone hole, and you burn much faster.

9. If you want to converse with someone who doesn't speak your language, try opening your laptop and going to Google translate. You can type in English and they can type in say, Spanish, and it quickly provides an instant-message like translation. This really works!

10. If you have an iPhone, you can download a whole host of incredibly useful applications such as Skype -- call any phone anywhere for pennies a minute or call any computer for free using your iphone handset. Other apps include translating, soothing ambient music for sleeping in noisy places, and weather forecasts for wherever you are.

11. Bring a smaller nylon bag with drawstring handles to take with you when you go out to see the city. It is useful to have this smaller bag without everything in your backpack or bigger bag; this also keeps all of your stuff from getting lost.

12. Pack a jacket or a skirt and nice shoes. In almost every other part of the world, people dress up a lot more than in the US, and going to a fancy restaurant in sneakers and no jacket marks you as a tourist. Avoid those white sneakers unless you really truly want to look like an ugly American.

13. If you want to be able to get connected in airports while you wait, sign up for Boingo Wireless. They offer a cheap plan for under $10 a month that works in thousands of spots including most US airports. You can cancel it if you're not going to be traveling for a while.

14. Bring a small power strip that you can use to charge up your cell phone, camera, iPod and laptop. That way you only need one small adapter and you've got plenty of places to plug in your gear. No hotel in the world provides as many plugs as in the US, and it's always hard to find that one electric plug in most hotel rooms.

15. Even if you don't fly much or don't think you'll fly on that airline again, join their frequent flyer program. OneWorld, Skymiles and other clubs offer miles on US airlines from foreign airline flights. And you can trade the miles in later for magazines and other useful things if you aren't going to use them on flights.

Max Hartshorne is the editor of GoNOMAD.com, the travel website based in South Deerfield. His last trip was to Chile; his next trip will be to New Zealand.

TopTrips: Worst Taxi Rides Ever

Joanne Poesch — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:21:15 +0000

Chances are we've all had at least one nail-biting, hair-raising taxi trip. But reading some of these horrific cab stories, public transportation is looking better all the time!

Share your stories of cab rides gone bad with us!

Athens, Greece
Bad roads, questionable traffic laws, language barrier.....

Caribbean
I was almost killed in a shuttle accident in the Bahamas! Thank God, we were stuffed like sardines and didn't end up in the ocean -- we went to the hospital instead! Don't get into a shuttle with a driver named Fuse, cuz he's got a short one!

Chicago, IL
Our ride was scary and hilarious at the same time! The driver was flying -- it was like we were in a movie chase scene! I think he was trying to freak us out - pretty funny!
We told our Chicago driver he might have missed our turn and he got so irate he started swearing and cussing that his wife made him come here and she does nothing and how dare we question him! During this tirade, he began driving faster and faster and taking turns doing about 60mph. When we finally got to our hotel - alive! -- we told the next group of people at the hotel NOT to get in that cab!

DC Metro Area
They are always bad, but my most memorable one was right here in Virginia when our cab hit a deer! My friend and I were in the front seat and the driver didn't say a word, just kept on driving!

When I was in Washington, DC, the taxi driver hit another car and kept going. He bumped a second car and still kept going. When he got to my hotel, he took my money before we got out of the cab, left my luggage on the street, and sped away.

Helsinki, Finland
When I was in Helsinki, the cab driver decided that he didn't want to sit in traffic, so he laid on his horn and pulled up onto the sidewalk and started driving down the side walk. Terrifying! People were diving into shops to get out of his way and we were screaming in the back of the car.

Houston, Texas
My first taxi ride was the worst! The traffic in Houston is worse than L.A. and my driver was zipping through standing traffic and I swear to you, I had fleas biting my ankles!

India
India is pretty difficult with its narrow roads (read single lane in some areas) with traffic going both directions!

Las Vegas, NV
My worst was in Las Vegas; he drove like a maniac, caused me to bang my head against the window three times. The driver then turned a sharp turn and my friend and I slid across the seat and bumped heads. Not sure I ever want to ride in a cab again!

Massachusetts
I had the most terrifying cab ride ever when I was in Salem, MA, on Halloween night. A group of kids broke out the back window, the cops were everywhere -- it was intense and the taxi driver got hurt really badly with a beer bottle.

Mexico
The metered taxis in Mexico City were VW Bugs and the passenger seat had been removed to create an easy to access cargo area. Passengers huddled in the tiny backseat while drivers played a game of chicken within 4-5 lanes of traffic. Left turn from the far right lane? Apparently not a problem..... So ruthless was rush hour that I watched traffic cops throw down their hands in disgust and leave intersections!

About 13 years ago we went to Jaurez, Mexico, with my mother about the same time they were blocking the local highway with couches, forcing people out of their vehicles and dragging them across the Rio Grande. My mom had this bright idea to take a taxi to the market. We barely knew the language and she asked if the taxi driver could take us there and he said "Si, 15 de Septiembre." She said no, today and he said something like that is the address to which you want to travel, so we got in the cab on our way to the middle of who knows where with my one-month-old and my four- year-old; I was terrified!

I had a horrible cab ride in Mexico where we spent an hour in the cab driving trough jungles to get to Cancun. We were being taken to some place wicked, but no, just to bullfrogs!

New York City
Our cabbie went through a red light and suddenly there was a tour bus about an inch away from the passenger side door. Terrifying!

Any cab ride in NYC is terrifying. It's a like a bad amusement park ride.

Rio de Jainero, Brazil
Rio is awful. They use horns instead of brakes and turn corners without slowing down! We were slammed from side to side in the back seat as the guy swerved and dodged and darted. No respect for traffic lights or lane dividers. Or other drivers.

Rome, Italy
In Rome last year our tour bus left us stranded and we had to take a cab. My mom was closing her eyes the entire time while the driver swerved through the crowds -- but it was a rush for me! It was fun!

Stocking Stuffers for Travelers

Susan Fogwell — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:32:05 +0000

While you're schlepping your luggage to the airport and heaving it into the overhead bin, why not add a little humor to the traveling experience.

Embellish your little black bag with an accessory. A whimsical luggage tag with a witty saying will catch the eyes of fellow passengers. They'll more than likely lighten up and laugh a little (especially when you're delayed for hours at an airport gate).

"I'm pretty sure this isn't your bag" is just one of six cheeky and colorful luggage tags, which are perfect stocking stuffers for friends or family members. If they have a sense of humor, they'll love receiving these fun and diverting accessories. Purchase a set of six at Catchingfireflies.com. Multi-colored zip ties are included. $12.50 (size 4"x 3")

For a female friend or family member venturing off on an international trip, a passport cover is an absolute-have item. Catchingfireflies.com has a retro image of a woman reflecting 1950's conformity on a 4x6 passport cover. The one liner reads, "Born to be wild." The recipient will be sure to laugh, and during her travels, maybe she'll crack a smile out of passport control. It will also keep travel documents organized. $14.95 (size 4"x 6")

Know a Francophile or foodie and you just don't know what to get them? Sometimes it's the smallest and most inexpensive gift that makes the most impact. A French toast stamper imprints the Eiffel Tower and "Bonjour" on ordinary slices of bread. This is also a great hostess gift for a holiday party. $3.95 (3.25" x 4").

A Pick Pocket Proof Travel Accessory

Susan Fogwell — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:08:55 +0000

When I travel internationally, I guard my cash, credit cards and passport at all times. I have seen and heard of every possible pick pocket scam that exists out there. In South America, the old mustard scam is still going strong. And in Europe the latest pick pocket scam: women stripping to distract unsuspecting people.

Money and credit cards should be concealed, but accessible. I just discovered an absolute must-have and problem-solving travel accessory; it’s what every traveler should have to prevent a potential pick pocket problem.

The PortaPocket is a neoprene band and detachable pocket; it’s perfect for carrying cash, credit cards and other valuables. It’s designed to wear on the calf, thigh, ankle, arm or waist. Conceal it under clothes, so you won’t be the proverbial, standout tourist. When shopping, the detachable pocket makes it easy to access money. A selection of interchangeable pockets fits items of various sizes: insulin pumps, inhalers, iPods, small cameras, lipstick and passports.

While travel traipsing, the PortaPocket's purpose is not to replace your purse or backpack; it’s to secure can't-lose-items in a foreign place. It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to prevent a potential and costly travel mishap.

PortaPocket kits retail at $25 and are available everywhere. For online purchasing, visit PortaPocket’s website www.portapocket.com.

The Lip Experts use ChopSaver

Susan Fogwell — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:19 +0000

When I tried ChopSaver Lip care, I was hooked. It is unique among other lip balms, because it was originally developed by a musician for musicians (specifically brass and woodwind).

Dan Gosling, the ChopSaver creator, is a professional trumpet player. He focused his efforts on a product that addresses the needs of people who rely on their lips on a daily basis. A recent ChopSaver convert is Conan O’Brien’s trumpet player on his late night show, Mark Pender.

I use ChopSaver around the clock; it’s extremely nourishing, goes on smooth and has a clean citrus scent. I keep one in my purse, and on flights, I keep a tube in my pocket. It’s perfect under lipstick, too. For outdoor activities such as sailing, skiing, running and sunbathing, it’s a must-have item.

Each ChopSaver’s application is long lasting due to the all-natural ingredients and non-petroleum-based formula. There is the original ($4.95 each) which I use at night or Gold with SPF for outdoor protection.

Dermatologists recommend ChopSaver to patients who suffer from the side effects of Accutane and other lip drying medications. It is significantly better than other lip balms making Accutane treatment tolerable.

ChopSaver is sold in over 1200 retail outlets including music stores, spas, doctors’ offices and specialty stores. It can also be purchased online where bulk discounts are available.

“Keep Calm and Carry On” with a Bold Bag Tag

Susan Fogwell — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:32:48 +0000

As a flight attendant, I have been witness to passengers in tears over losing their luggage. It’s not always the airline who loses luggage. In many cases, a passenger will inadvertently grab a similar-looking suitcase in the overhead bin on the airplane, in baggage claim or on the van transporting travelers to their hotel.

One way to prevent this traveling mishap from happening is by attaching a bright and bold luggage tag on all of your suitcases (including carry on bags). Passengers will not be so quick to grab the wrong suitcase. And if the airline is the culprit in losing your luggage, it will be found and returned to you quicker with a bright luggage tag.

DecorativeThings.com carries a luggage tag with a catchy British slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On.” The luggage tags are available in four easy-to-spot colors: red, green, turquoise and black ($20 each). The slogan was originally created for a poster in 1939 by the British Ministry of Information. They wanted to assuage British civilian fear of invasion. The poster was never issued, but in 2000, a British bookseller discovered one of the original posters. The poster was hung in the shop and the slogan became a hit in the UK.

In today’s blue economic environment, the slogan has a new meaning (especially if you have a red luggage tag).

For other holiday gift ideas, DecorativeThings.com sells over twenty “Keep Calm and Carry On” products. Affordable gifts in the $20 range include posters, mugs and tote bags to decorative décor at $125.

Italy Must-Sees

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:25:11 +0000

There are spots when traveling in Italy that everyone must see (read Rome, Florence, Venice). But this article on GoNomad takes the idea one step further and outlines the locales that every woman traveling to Italy simply can't miss.

Cruising Myths Debunked

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:19:54 +0000

It can difficult for you to find the right ship at the right price. To sway those still blowing in the wind, it is time to dispel a number of popular myths about travel on the high seas. Read More

Back to the Bus

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:02:23 +0000

If you're traveling on the East Coast, there are amazing travel deals out there -- and they don't involve long lines at security. Read all about how traveling by bus is making a big -- and welcome -- comeback in the New York to Washington, DC, corridor.

Pampering on the Strip

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:48:31 +0000

The next time you travel to Las Vegas, try taking a break from the casinos and check out all the amazing spas that the hotels have to offer! This article from CheapoAir will give you a taste of what's available to help you get pampered on the Strip.

Thai Beach Tales

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:44:51 +0000

In Thailand, the sea life is suspicious. My fellow Koh Phagnan day trippers can attest to the suspicion, as can my fish-bitten legs and my friend Ginger’s foot; the recipient of a surprise attack.

Horsing Around

Joanne Poesch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:40:15 +0000

One of the things my family loves to do while on vacation in spending a day on horseback. We've been riding through the rolling hills of Virginia, the mountains of California and the beaches of Hawaii, so this article on international horse adventures from BootsnAll is going right in our vacation planning folder!