25 WAYS TO WEAR A SCARF & MORE

Some of you have been asking me how do you plan your wardrobe for a 32 day cruise? One of my secret is to coordinate my outfit by bringing black/red/yellow/pink/blue top (stay away from white as it picks up drips from your fine dining on the cruise). Add and exchange with either black pants, black skirt, black dress AND THEN accessorize, accessorize, accessorize with your scarves, jewelry, belts. Your combo of outfits are multitude!

Here is a video that fellow cruiser and fashinista Karen Vaughn shared with me. 25 ways to wear a scarf or in our case one (1) scarf and 25 new cruise outfits? Thanks Karen and YouTube!

Buying Foreign Currency: Get More Bang for Your Buck

Here’s yet another article I came across on Independent Traveler on buying your foreign currency before your trip. Just be sure you allow enough time to get your money. 

Also, at our cruise orientation luncheon,  fellow cruiser Stella stated she got her foreign exchange currency at her Credit Union, might be worth an alternate check to your bank if you belong to one. We’re getting closer to our bon voyage time....

Buying Foreign Currency: Get More Bang for Your Buck

http://www.independenttraveler.com/blog/?p=7030

Photo provided by: Flickrs.Photos8.com

Let’s hope not, but .... LOST & STOLEN PASSPORTS

Back in September, I recall giving all of you a heads up to check your passport for expiration dates and applying for passports if you needed too. And because I know each of you are very conscientious travelers you have all ready completed this task or in the process of doing so. Fantastic! 

Now many of you probably made copy of your Passport and Driver License for your China Visa? If you haven’t copied your passport and ID to Alex. I might highly recommend you do so. This way she can be your “friend” who has a copy to assist in case you needed it.

Now also make a few copies of your passport and leave one at home and be sure you bring a couple with you. Also bring a couple of recent passport size photos of you these extra copies will be handy in case you need it for replacement due to loss or stolen passports. These are the “just in case” back-up. This should not be a bad burden as we currently preparing to check off our checklist for our China Visa and so grab a couple of extra photos. Remember if you are a Costco member, this service is very inexpensive and they give you plenty of extra photos. 

Below is a link to the Lost and Stolen Passport article I came across. The article had additional tips like scanning and emailing your passport to your In Box for access. Great idea especially if you are the technical type. There is good information and I always find that preparation is a key to avoiding potential mishaps.  Enjoy the resource and tips....

Lost and Stolen Passports

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/troubleshooting/lost-and-stolen-passports  

Photo provided by Flickr.Rakka

Packing For a LOOOOOONG Cruise

Anxious, Nervous, Concerned ...Panic!!! How do you pack for a 32 day Cruise and not be dressed in style with at least some what of a “fashionista”, have enough luggage to bring all my “gotta have’s” and still not have to spend tons of dollars on baggage fees?

You gotta start by being smart and tough! Know that you will need to bring only the essentials

Cruise Critic: Long Cruise Packing
 http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1440#



Packing for a 36 day Cruise

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/pack-36-day-cruise-17899.html

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)