Grab a drink, a pad of paper and a pen, sit back, you will want to take notes! Watch this helpful video of "What to Pack for a Cruise"! Thought it had some great ideas of what you might want to add to your packing list. If you have about 10 minutes, its worthwhile...check it out!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
What to Pack for a Cruise
Grab a drink, a pad of paper and a pen, sit back, you will want to take notes! Watch this helpful video of "What to Pack for a Cruise"! Thought it had some great ideas of what you might want to add to your packing list. If you have about 10 minutes, its worthwhile...check it out!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Create Your Personal Packing List
One could easily create your own packing list by simply planning to dump in the corner of your room all the items you want to take and then hopefully eliminating a third to half and then make a list as you pack.
OR you could also check out these website and print up a copy and since we still have plenty of time. Take the initiative by making a list so you don’t forget anything? Either way, just be sure you make a list of all your items so you have it for insurance purposes (hopefully you chose to opt for that) and also if the credit card you used for your air fare may cover baggage? Worth a phone call...
Below are a sampling of website links that I came across for packing lists. See what works for you.....
Cruising Insider
http://www.thecruisinginsider.com/cruisepackinglistpdf.pdf
Independent Traveler
http://www.independenttraveler.com/packing
Cruise Diva for Woman
http://cruisediva.com/print.htm
Cruise Diva for Men
http://cruisediva.com/print_a.htm
Cruise Crazies
http://www.cruisecrazies.com/packing_list.php
Rick Steve’s Packing List
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm
Universal Packing List- Create Your Own
http://upl.codeq.info/index.jsp
Photo provided by Flickr. zingersb (left) and josuppi (right)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Choosing the Right Luggage
Where do you even begin when you are picking out new luggage? This is the next step in what Roger and I are tackling. Most recently, we made a visit to an independent luggage store called Peninsula Luggage in the Tustin Marketplace. Roger and I have bought luggage here before and have had helpful success in getting questions answered and also getting some hands-on, real look at some actual types of luggages. There are other sources of course, including Department Stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Discount Outlets such as Premium Outlets and TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Speciality Stores such as Travel or Outdoors focus, including Magellan or REI, On-Line Website Sources, Amazon, Zappos, EBay, Overstock, LuggageShow Room,eBags, tibesti and the list goes on and on.
With our trip being overseas, We knew that we had to begin with our luggage allowance with the airline carrier we chose . Because we opt to travel business class, our particular airline allowed two checked baggage per person and obviously carry-on. But, this may not be the case for all.
Do your homework, so you won’t get caught in the hard sell of the sales person trying to meet their nomination to be Employee of the Month. So let’s start by listing some homework suggestions, before you head out to actually go shopping.
- Find out what is the allowable baggage on your airline. Number of allowable Luggage, Dimensions, Weight etc.
- How many days do you need to pack for? 16 day cruise plus ? 32 day cruise plus?
- How much do you want to spend on your luggage?
- Know your Luggage options and what you need or want:
>Regular Suitcase
>Garment Suitcase
>Duffle Bags
>Carry-On - suitcase, bags, totes, satchels
>Toiletries bags
>Accessories - tags, belts, hooks, money holders etc
- Choice of Luggage options:
>Soft case vs Hard case
>Regular weight or light weight
>Solid Colors vs Prints
>Number of Rollers
>Handles, interior or exterior
>Interior storage and compartments
- Explore the websites and see the different brands and prices
Additionally below are some websites you can view to assist you in your knowledge of luggage and baggage for your upcoming cruise.
Choosing the Right Travel Luggage
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/packing-and-accessories/choosing-the-right-travel-luggage
Tips for Selecting Luggage for Your Cruise
http://cruisediva.com/luggage.htm
Best Luggage to Use for a Cruise
http://www.overstock.com/guides/best-luggage-to-use-for-a-cruise
4 Most Common Reasons Airlines Lose Luggage
http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/4-most-common-reasons-airlines-lose-luggage,7558/
Photo provided by Flickr.Pellgen
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Cruise Critic's ...Packing For A Cruise
Came across this very informative article from Cruise Critic’s website, ‘The Ultimate Guide To Packing For A Cruise’. I know many of you might be thinking, “Really Diana, packing already?” Yes, really! It’s a multi-tasking-gotta do-a plan ahead kind of task! Well worth the effort in the thinking-planning-preparation, especially those ‘venturing onward to the 32 day cruise option. Following is the link to the website and check out the list of subject articles below for Cruise Critic’s...Pack This, Not That: Top Tips for packing on your next cruise. Thanks Cruise Critic for this great introduction to "PACKING"
The Ulitmate Guide To Packing For A Cruise
http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1436
The Basics: Cruise Packing 101
Guide to Cruise Line Dress Codes
Graphic: Anatomy of a Cruise Carry-On
12 Tips for Packing for a Long Cruise
8 Reasons to Pack Duct Tape on a Cruise
10 Packing Tips From Real Cruisers
Top 10 Cruise packing Tips
9 'Carry-On Friendly' Mini-Cruises
The Sordid Confessions of an Over-Packer
5 Things You Want to pack - But Shouldn't
Do We Love Free Cruise Bags? Totes!
Graphic provided by: CruiseCritic.com
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
TRAVEL BOOKS - Diana's Top Five
Number # 1
DK EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE
When taking a cruise and time is limited to a day in port. DK Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guide works well. It's concise and focused. Just explore by City or Country or Region
and you should be on your way to your destination.
Number # 2
DK EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE
This is a the go to book if you want more details then the Top Ten. Again I enjoy the DK Eyewitness series because it's focused not always wordy and has quick points of interests and information which is helpful. Plus the photos are generally a great quality. Be sure to check this out, as the book itself is kinda heavy due to the quality and heavier paper stock. Do keep this in mind if you plan to take it with you.
Number #3
LONELY PLANET
Is very detail and what I can describe as a "adventuresome" travel book. I know my girlfriend Stella uses this book quite a lot for her planning resource prior to trips. Note that if culture, history, traditions and nature is your focus this resource may be of interests.
Number #4
FROMMER's & FODOR's
In my opinion, these two books are what I consider the standard travel books. More like a travel encyclopedia. Lots of details and specifics. But, for me personally these books can be noted for updates and revisions. So be sure you check for the most current publications.
Number #5
INTERNET
With access to the world wide web, how can you not list this as a travel resource. Just plan to have plenty of time as you can find yourself lost in hours of explorations drilling into links after links. Another new territory that I have not explored is the Apps world for your mobile device. Perhaps someone out there can offer their expertise and recommendation?
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Easily Misunderstood Abroad
etiquette |ˈetikit, -ˌket| , noun
the customary code of polite behavior in society
or among members of a particular profession or group.
As a kid, our parents hopefully taught us this important life lesson about manners. We learned to be polite, pay attention, be gracious, kind, considerate. We learned to shake hands and say “please and thank you”. It seems simple, doesn’t it? And it is here in America because it’s what is familiar to us. But now, what about the countries we will be visiting. In Asia, is it all the same? Is Thai the same as China or Japan or Korea? Then what about Singapore Malaysia where there are three major different cultures Chinese, Malay and Indian as in India, oh my!
The term “Ugly American” derives from the 1958 political novel of the same title by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer as well as a 1963 Movie starring Marlon Brando. “The Ugly American”, is fiction based on reality, alluding to Americans losing political presence in Southeast Asia because of their failure to understand local culture. The novel quotes a Burmese character as saying,
For some reason, the [American] people I meet in my country are not the same as the ones I knew in the United States. A mysterious change seems to come over Americans when they go to a foreign land. They isolate themselves socially. They live pretentiously. They’re loud and ostentatious.
As best shared by my Japanese cousin on a past visit to Tokyo, he said “...of course we don’t expect you to know all of the customs, culture and ways of Japan as a tourist...”
But I still couldn’t help think that I certainly did not want to be THAT Ugly American!
My cousin is right. We as tourists, aren’t expected to know everything, but I also don’t believe we need to be ignorant and not aware either. With a little effort, preparation and lessons from our parents we don’t have to be Ugly Americans.
Let me leave you with this final quote:
“Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you, not because they are
nice, but because you are...” Unknown
So following are quite a few links to help you explore and prepare to create a better "International Relations" as you sightsee, dine, and shop in our various visiting ports of call.
Thai Etiquette
Vietnamese Etiquette
Malay Etiquette
Chinese Etiquette
Korean Etiquette
Japanese Etiquette
Monday, September 10, 2012
YOU, YOUR DOCTOR, CDC & IMMUNIZATION !!
One of the requested topic for our blog came from Kelly. She wanted to know what immunization should be considered with our upcoming trip? Great question, Kel’ !
The issue at hand is that though I can point you to checking out the Center of Disease Control (CDC) for Travelers, ultimately you need to be sure you make an appointment with your doctor to address "YOUR" specific needs!
First off know where you are going? Be sure you have the following ports of call for your doctor: Bangkok, Thailand / Singapore, Malaysia / Ho Chi Minh City & Nha Trang Vietnam / Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tianjin-Beijing, Dailan China / Nagasaki-Hiroshima, Osaka-Kyoto & Yokohama-Tokyo Japan / Pusan South Korea / Anchorage Alaska. In addition, have the information for your doctor about your planned shore excursions and interests. Whether it will be out in the rural countrysides and villages or if you just plan to stick to local tourist sightseeing sites around the cosmopolitan city.
Second, Don’t wait too long as vaccines take time to become effective. so make your appointment to meet with your doctor at least three months from departure. I was informed by my physician, just recently, that generally Center of Disease Control (CDC) posts alerts three months in advance. So keep this in mind when setting up your appointment. Also remember, “You” are not the only patient on your doctor’s appointment book. So don’t delay and check your calendar and book your appointment in advance. And yes, I have already made my appointment for the first of the year!
In my exploration into the CDC website, it was noted that the CDC divides vaccines for travel into three categories: routine, recommended and required. It is best to consult your physician for “your” specific needs. However, the generality of the categories were outlined as such:
Routine Vaccinations
Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. These vaccines are necessary for protection from diseases that are still common in many parts of the world even though they rarely occur in the United States. If you are not sure which vaccinations are routine, look at the schedules below.
Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. These vaccines are necessary for protection from diseases that are still common in many parts of the world even though they rarely occur in the United States. If you are not sure which vaccinations are routine, look at the schedules below.
Recommended Adult Immunization/Needs based on age /Check with Doctor
Influenza2,
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)3, Varicella4,
Human papillomavirus (HPV)5, Female Human papillomavirus (HPV)5, Male Zoster6
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)7, Pneumococcal (polysaccharide)8,9 Meningococcal10,
Hepatitis A11
Hepatitis B12
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)3, Varicella4,
Human papillomavirus (HPV)5, Female Human papillomavirus (HPV)5, Male Zoster6
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)7, Pneumococcal (polysaccharide)8,9 Meningococcal10,
Hepatitis A11
Hepatitis B12
Recommended Vaccinations
These vaccines are recommended to protect travelers from illnesses present in other parts of the world and to prevent the importation of infectious diseases across international borders. Which vaccinations you need depends on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
These vaccines are recommended to protect travelers from illnesses present in other parts of the world and to prevent the importation of infectious diseases across international borders. Which vaccinations you need depends on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
Required Vaccinations
The only vaccine required by International Health Regulations is yellow fever vaccination for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal vaccination is required by the government of Saudi Arabia for annual travel during the Hajj.
The only vaccine required by International Health Regulations is yellow fever vaccination for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal vaccination is required by the government of Saudi Arabia for annual travel during the Hajj.
In further drilling into the CDC website you will find extensive information and charts that you can print up to share with your doctor for discussion. Additionally, the CDC website also has information specific to the destinations by countries so look into this also before you consult your doctor for your specific needs.
The Center of Disease Control’s website for travelers is:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm
Photo provided by Flickr. CTChang
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm
Photo provided by Flickr. CTChang
Friday, September 7, 2012
RSVP Requested for STUDY GROUP!
Please check your email Inbox or perhaps even your Spam Folder as I recently sent out an E-Vite Invitation to our Study Group for Saturday, October 6, 2012. If you haven’t RSVP, please take a minute and do so as our final sign-up date will be Monday, October 1st and we are trying to see if we can meet our minimum number of participation!
Our current response status looks as though many have alternate plans and scheduled commitments. Roger and I have decided that if we do not have a minimum of 12 individuals for this group gathering that we will be canceling this event.
For those who have RSVP’d as a Yes. Thank you so much for your interests. If we do end up canceling, I hope to address your questions and concerns at an alternate opportunity as discussed previously. So stay tuned and thanks for your help with your RSVP!
Photo provided by: Flickr.koyochi.planner
Saturday, September 1, 2012
It’s Time for Your US PASSPORT!
Did anyone check my Asia to Alaska Timeline I placed on the blog? Well if you did, you would see that I had noted for your action list for September is to handle your US Passport needs. I know this may seem a bit early. But I agree with our experienced travel agent, Alex that since this is such a crucial piece of travel document, early is better. To help guide you further I have highlighted the US Passport Checklist that Independent Traveler provided. Please double check the fee as I did not verify with the actual US Department of State for the current fee. And finally, be sure that your expiration date on your passport is valid for at least 6 month prior to your return date to the States. The check list is noted below and if you would like to read the full article I have provided the following link address :
Passport Applications and Forms
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/passports-and-international-travel/passport-applications-and-forms
US Passport Checklist
First-Time Passport Applications (Adults Age 16 and Up)
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality (such as a certified birth certificate)
Proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID
Application fee ($135)
First-Time Passport Applications (Minors Under 16)
Form DS-3053 (necessary if only one parent is appearing with the child at time of application)
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Proof of child's U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate)
Proof of adult's relationship to child (birth certificate may suffice)
Proof of adult's identity (such as a passport or driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID
Application fee ($105)
Passport Renewals (Adults Age 16 and Up)
Existing U.S. passport
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Renewal fee ($110)
Passport Renewals (Minors Under 16)
Form DS-3053 (necessary if only one parent is appearing with the child at time of application)
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Proof of child's citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate)
Proof of adult's relationship to child (birth certificate may suffice)
Proof of adult's identity (such as a passport or driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID
Application fee ($105)
Passport Card (Adults Age 16 and Up)
Form DS-11 OR
Form DS-82 (if you previously had a regular passport and are applying for the passport card as a renewal)
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality (such as a certified birth certificate)
Proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID
Application fee ($55 for first-time applicants, $30 for those who already have a passport book and are applying for the card as a passport renewal)
Passport Card (Minors Under 16)
Form DS-3053 (necessary if only one parent is appearing with the child at time of application)
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Proof of child's U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate)
Proof of adult's relationship to child (birth certificate may suffice)
Proof of adult's identity (such as a passport or driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID
Application fee ($40)
Name Changes
Current U.S. passport
Certified copy of document specifying name change
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Renewal fee ($110) if you've had your passport longer than one year or if your name was changed for any reason other than marriage or court order
Lost or Stolen Passports
One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within the past six months
Proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality (such as a certified birth certificate)
Proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and a photocopy of that ID
Application fee ($135 for ages 16 and up, $105 for children under 16)
Additional Visa Pages
Current U.S. passport
Fee ($82)
Monday, August 27, 2012
INFO shared by Karen!
Bangkok Airport to Laem Chabang Port - 1/1/2 hours drive
Princess’ recommendation for airport to port - 3.5 hrs
Tianijin to Beijing Airport - 150 miles
Whittier to Anchorage Alaska Airport - 65 miles
“This is what I was talking about when I said Princess might have 2 different sets of times that people can arrive and depart at the embarkation and disembarkation ports. It's on the EZAir portion of the Cruise Personalizer, in the same spot you can book excursions and other services. If someone is using the EZAir option this is what they see when they click that link.
Embarkation Bangkok Thailand
You must arrive no later than 11:59 PM on April 12, 2013 for embarkation
Disembarkation Whittier Alaska
You must depart no earlier than 03:30 PM on May 18, 2013 for disembarkation
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