Cruise Tips That Everyone Should Know

16 "Cruise Tips That Everyone Should Know" 

AUGUST 24, 2014 BY BEN SOUZA

These are very helpful tips that I would like to share with you!

1. Use the ship’s WIFI while in port – Some cruise ships will connect to terrestrial broadband while in port. This will give you increased internet speeds compared to when the ship is at sea and connecting to satellites 20,000 miles away.

2. Free WIFI in Port – Looking for a place to connect to free WIFI while in port? Just ask a crew member.  They know all of the free WIFI spots in each port. You may also notice a group of crew members outside of an establishment with tablets/phones out, it is a sign that there likely is free WIFI there.

3. Avoid Cruise Ship’s ATM Fees – The ATM machines on cruise ships will charge you a fee of around $5 to withdraw cash.  To bypass this, simply go to the casino, sit down at a slot machine, insert your cabin card and deposit the amount that you want to withdraw.  Once the money is loaded into the slot machine, simply hit the “cash out” button and take the ticket to the cashier to get your money.  Your onboard account will be charged and you will not have to pay any credit card or ATM fees.

4. Surge Protector with USB Outlets – Available on Amazon.com for under $20. This surge protector will not only take up little room in your luggage, but it is great for charging phones, tablets, and e-readers via the 2 USB outlets.  The power outlets rotate 360 degrees for flexibility with large plugs.

5. Ziploc Bags – Bringing a few Ziploc bags on a cruise can come in extremely handy.  Use them when going on shore excursions so you can keep water and sand away from your phone, camera, cash, passport etc.  Have you ever been stuck in a Caribbean downpour while waiting to re-board your cruise ship?  Ziploc bags can keep important things dry.

6. Rolling Clothes - Rolling clothes before putting them in your suitcase will help prevent wrinkles and it will also take up less space.  Don’t go to dinner the first night in wrinkled clothes because you did not have time to iron before the early seating.

7. Dryer Sheets – Put a dryer sheet in each suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

8. TV Charger – Need an extra plug to charge your phone? Use the USB outlet on your TV to charge your phone or tablet.

9. Portable USB Charger – Never run out of power while in port with this handy USB mini phone charger. It will give your phone 100% extra battery life and is available on Amazon.com
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10. Delete Tourist From Your Photos – A nice little trick we found on Reddit that can get you great shots of ports and of the cruise ship without having to worry about other passengers/tourists getting in the way.

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11. Place a Belt Inside a Collar – This will keep the collar crispy when packing a dress shirt in a suitcase.

12. Pill Container – Use a pill container to keep your jewelry organized and untangled.

13. Shoe Rack – A shoe rack is a great way to keep things organized in the tight confines of your cruise cabin.  It takes up little space in your suitcase and can be hung on your bathroom door. 

14. Travel Alarm Clock – There are no alarm clocks in the cabins on cruise ships so bringing a small, travel alarm clock can come in handy especially to those staying in inside staterooms.

15. Shopping Lectures – Want to get some free stuff at shopping lectures? Always sit near the front of the theater.  The staff will often throw things out (tshirts, bamboo necklaces etc) into the crowd and they normally do not throw very far.

16. Check the Bible – Passengers have been known to leave unused complimentary drink coupons/cards in the Gideon Bibles that are in the desk drawer.

Getaway weekend in Asheville - just a short drive away!

As fun as they are, the holiday season can also be an extremely stressful time of year. So,why not plan a nice relaxing getaway weekend that is close to home? Have you visited Asheville, NC lately?

The amazing "Biltmore House" is magnificent any time of year - but during the holiday season it is absolutely spectacular!

You might like to take a candlelight tour and see their incredible 35 foot Christmas tree with over 1,000 ornaments!

Asheville is renowned as a premier spa destination, and is a wonderful vibrant town with unique shopping boutiques, 30 plus galleries to visit, live music, and a wide variety of restaurants with fine cuisine. There are accommodation choices for every budget. 

For those who are seeking somewhere very special to stay, there are some breathtaking hotels..such as the historic "Omni Grove Park Inn" which first opened in 1913 and has undergone a $25 million transformation!  It is situated a short drive from downtown Asheville in the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and guests can relax by their amazing 10 foot wide fireplace.

Another romantic choice might be the gorgeous "Grand Bohemian" which is a tudor inspired hotel with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. This is an Autograph Collection hotel with old world ambiance and is located just steps from the historic Biltmore Estate. The Grand Bohemian is absolutely stunning with handcarved furniture and rustic design, It has an amazing art gallery that boasts more than 100 works of art by local, regional, and international acclaimed artists!

Who wouldn't love a romantic getaway at one of these unique properties? Call me at 336-790-8911 to book a memorable weekend that is just a short drive away! 

Ready to don your BERMUDA shorts?

Contrary to popular belief, Bermuda is NOT part of the Caribbean, but rather a British overseas territory off the east coast of the United States....

Surprisingly, Bermuda is actually at about the same latitude as Charleston, South Carolina - with a mild subtropical climate. The most popular time to visit Bermuda is May through October (when average temperature is 75-85). However even in the winter months (December-March) temperatures range from 60-70 F.

Bermuda is extremely picturesque with a sharp contrast between calm waters and beautiful pink sand beaches, with a rugged rocky coastline. The Horseshoe Bay Beach there is world famous.

There is much to see and do in Bermuda with natural sites such as the spectacular Crystal and Fantasy Caves where you can view magnificent crystals which were formed over 30 million years ago! There are also 90 historic forts here that were built by the British. For those who enjoy water sports, you can enjoy snorkeling & diving with 400 historic wrecks to explore, as well as kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing, and sailing to name a few. Bermuda is famous for fabulous sunrises and sunsets.

Are you into golf? The Bermuda tourist board boasts that Bermuda
"has more golf courses per square mile than any place on the planet" - but don't forget to put your camera in your golf bag, as these golf courses are just gorgeous.

Whether you are looking for an action packed vacation, or just want to enjoy rest and relaxation... there is something for everyone here.You can choose between taking a scenic cruise to Bermuda, or you can fly there and stay at any of their beautiful hotel properties. If you would like to know more, call me (336-790-8911) or send me an email (jan@takeasuitcase.com).

Really helpful PACKING TIPS

Packing Tips

Many airlines charge fees for baggage. Now is a great time to learn how to travel light! As reported in USA Today, here are 10 fundamental packing strategies that every traveler should learn.

1. Roll, don't fold.

Many travel experts—including backpackers, who must stuff months' worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine—agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.

2. Make a packing list

When it comes to packing, procrastinators fall short. Start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need for your vacation. Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important.

3. Know your airline's baggage-fee policy

Figuring out the airlines' tricky and befuddling baggage-fee policies is key to any budget-minded packing strategy. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights.

Before you begin packing, take a peek at your airline's website and read its baggage policy. This is something you might even want to do prior to buying your plane ticket, especially if you're set on bringing a checked bag or two. Consider flying on Southwest or JetBlue, both of which permit at least one free checked bag on domestic flights.

4. Follow the 3-1-1 rule

What happens if you don't follow the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage? Attempt to bring a large bottle of shampoo or a full-size gel deodorant through the security line and the TSA will likely confiscate your stuff, holding you up in line in the process. So get familiar with the agency's rules: All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.

It also helps to know which items are, according to the TSA, considered liquids or gels and thereby subject to the 3-1-1 rule. This isn't as simple as it sounds. Foods such as peanut butter, pudding, mashed potatoes, and icing are classified as gels. Mascara, lip gloss, and aerosol items are also classified as liquids or gels. But keep in mind that liquid prescription medication is exempt. Visit the TSA website to see a more complete list of liquids and gels that are not permitted in carry-on luggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces here.

5. Use your personal item wisely

It's standard for airlines to permit each traveler to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard planes. This personal item is subject to specific size requirements (these vary by airline), but something like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable. Bringing a large tote is a smart choice because you can fill it up and shove it under the seat.

6. Wash your clothes on the road

Laundry facilities are one of my favorite parts about staying in vacation rentals. If you know your accommodations will have free laundry facilities, you're golden. You can wash and wear just a handful of outfits for the duration of even very long trips.

If you're staying in a hotel, call in advance to see if laundry services are available and how much they cost. Travelers staying in properties without laundry facilities or taking cruises—cruise lines are notorious for charging an arm and a pant leg for laundry services—can wash clothes in sinks and hang them to dry. I always make sure to pack a travel-size packet of laundry detergent and a sink stopper to clean my clothes on the road—it's my secret for fitting everything in a carry-on bag. Portable laundry-drying lines that attach to showers via suction cups are also a good choice; you can find them at many travel-supply stores.

7. Pack dual-purpose garments

If it's two-in-one, it's one less thing to pack. Dual-purpose items, such as pants that turn into shorts or a jacket that turns into a travel pillow are worth their weight in airline baggage fees.

8. Layer

This advice is twofold: Wear layers and pack in layers. First, your on-the-road wardrobe should feature plenty of layers, which will help you jetset through multiple climates in style and comfort. Second, the items in your bag should be packed in neat layers for easy screening. According to the TSA, "Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)" so that the security agent screening your bag can get a clear picture of what's inside. The faster the TSA agent can screen your stuff, the faster you'll get through the security line.

9. Never check essential items

It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you. We probably don't need to tell you why you need to keep your passport and wallet on your person. But if the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you'll regret stowing your expensive watch in a checked bag.

10. Use packing aids

My all-time favorite packing aid: Eagle Creek Compression Sacs. Use them to shrivel your clothes into a vacuum-packed, tiny, tight bundle that takes up minimal suitcase space. Other packing aids that can help you organize better and fit more into your bag include packing envelopes and packing cubes.

Call me at 336-790-8911 to book your next flight, cruise and land vacation. You know how to pack for it!

Travel to "The Land of Fire & Ice" is BOOMING...

Are you looking for a unique travel destination?  If you have a sense of adventure and are looking for a vacation out of the ordinary - you might be interested in discovering what makes Iceland so special!

Recently I have had several requests for travel information on Iceland - and from what I have been reading in industry reports, popularity is growing in leaps & bounds for vacations to "The Land of Fire & Ice" as it is called. 

Located just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is also known as "the land of light and darkness" with LONG summer days (24 hours of sunlight), and dark winters. It is home to the largest glaciers in Europe and some the world's most active volcanoes.

So what makes this country so appealing? To start with BREATHTAKING scenery as the landscape is so rugged and spectacular from moss-covered lava fields in the southwest to soaring fjords in the northwest. The people are warm & welcoming - and the culture is rich and vibrant. Iceland boasts an unpolluted environment, and geothermal energy. One of the highlights is to visit the many natural hot-springs such as the famous "Blue Lagoon". 

When is the best time to visit Iceland? The most popular tourist season is mid-June to the end of August - but with temperatures that are cool in summer and surprisingly mild in winter - any time is a good time to travel to Iceland depending on your interests. Some of the many activities include hiking, climbing, whale watching, rafting, fishing, diving & snorkeling - and in the winter there is dog-sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding.

There are several ways you can tour this unique destination - such as cruises, escorted land tours, or take the ultimate road trip with a self-drive tour around the Ring Road. If you would like to learn more, contact us for more information and let us help you plan a trip to Iceland!

Which country is at the top of the 'HOT" destination list?

At last month's Virtuoso Travel Week, the "HOT" list of countries that are seeing the largest year over year growth was announced - and New Zealand was the overwhelming winner with an amazing 196% increase in growth!

Not surprising to us as we have both spent many years living in New Zealand,  and are well aware of how spectacular this country really is.

It's more than just the breath-taking scenery - New Zealand is a magical place to visit and visitors will be attracted to the laid back friendly atmosphere they will find there...remember "Kiwi's love to keep things casual".

New Zealand is comprised mainly of two islands - the North Island and the South Island - with scenery that is incredibly diverse from one end to the other. Those of you who have seen the famous "Lord of the Rings" trilogy are aware of just how stunning this small country is - surrounded by beautiful beaches, and home to majestic mountains and enchanted forests...it truly is absolute bliss to travel there!


If you are adventurous - New Zealand has activities galore including bungy jumping, sky-diving, caving, river rafting, jet boat racing, zip-lining, canoeing, & kayaking - just to name a few! If you enjoy fishing or golf - New Zealand is world renowned for both.

Prefer something more relaxing? Try the hot pools, tour the vineyards, or try any of the many cultural attractions available. New Zealand is well known for their world class wines, and their food is absolutely spectacular including a vast selection of fresh seafood, award-winning cheeses, and their famous lamb - it really is a gastronomical delight everywhere you go in New Zealand. 

There are so many ways you can see this gorgeous country....so whether it be a cruise, guided tour, hiking and biking, or self-drive vacation you are looking for, New Zealand offers something for everyone. CONTACT US today for more information.

THE MAGIC RETURNS…DIAGON ALLEY IS NOW OPEN!!

Diagon Alley is now open at UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORTS in Florida

Do you have Harry Potter fans in your family?  If so, a visit to Universal Orlando Resorts in Florida is a must-see!

Following the mammoth success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, Universal Orlando Resorts opened their new attraction “Diagon Alley” on July 8th, 2014.

Those who have read the first of J.K. Rowling’s saga “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” may remember that Diagon Alley is really Harry’s first step into the magical world.  Universal’s brilliant design team have done an incredible job of re-creating what J.K. Rowling describes in her popular novel - a sensory overload of the bizarre, the quirky, and the whimsical.

Fans of the films will love the detailed, incredible recreation of Diagon Alley and revel in the experience of being part of it as the details spring at you from all sides.

The centerpiece of Diagon Alley is the thrill ride “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts” which takes riders on twists and turns through the bank’s vaults surrounded by Hollywood-quality footage that was shot just for the ride. It has been called “a wonder of technological achievement”.

Kids will adore an innovative piece of interactive technology that Universal has introduced, whereby guests can purchase interactive wands. With a flick of their wrist they will soon discover that magic happens that brings the Wizarding World to life!

Universal has brilliantly linked the two Harry Potter attractions at its two parks with the Hogwarts Express – a new ride that runs between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, thrilling passengers with a video ride through the English countryside past scenes and characters that Harry Potter fans will recognize instantly!

Contact Us if you would like to know more about the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resorts.