Family Travel
Check out family travel tips here! Read about the best activities while on vacation, travel destinations and cruise deals when traveling with your family.
Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Travel
Along with seeing friends & family, the holidays mean crowded airports and packed roads. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that 43.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their homes to celebrate this Thanksgiving. Millions more will be flying and driving over the Christmas break. Lessen the aggrevation by maintaining your sense of humor, allowing extra time for everything, and by following these stress-busting strategies.
Strategic Planning:
- Travel On Less Busy Days
- Consider A Smaller (Regional) Airport
- Lighten Your Load (Luggage)
- Bring The Correct Travel Documents (Especially When Traveling Abroad)
- Pack Insurance Cards & Insurance Forms
- Battle Germs (Bring Sanitized Wipes)
- Make “What If” Plans When Meeting Up With Family/Friends (Just In Case Your Cell Phone Battery Dies or When Cell Service Is Not Available)
- Keep The Essentials Handy (Extra Battery Packs for Phones & Video Games, Diapers & Bottles for Babies)
At The Destination:
- Do a Safety Check (Escpecially When Traveling With Children)
- Know The House Rules
- Bring Or Buy Special Needs Foods (Especially If Some Family Members Are On A Specific Diet or Only Eat Certain Foods)
Packing Must-Haves: What To Bring On A Cruise
The key to packing for a cruise is bringing a variety of comfortable, casual clothes you can mix and match and a few items that you can dress up more at night. Shorts or even a bathing suit and cover-up will do during the day, but on most ships you’ll need to put on long pants for dinner. If you’re a gym rat, you’ll want to bring workout clothes. If you’re a nature lover, don’t forget your binoculars and/or a camera with a good lens. Readers will want to bring books or an e-reader (don’t count on the ship’s library having much of a selectiosn). Whether going tropical, arctic or somewhere in between, you won’t want to leave home without these other items:
- A Lightweight Rain Jacket and/or Umbrella
- Shampoo, Conditioner & Soap
- A Power Strip
- A Spare Pair Of Glasses/Contacts
- Gallon-Size Sealable Plastic Bags
- Dramamine, Acupunture Wristbands, Ginger Tablets and/or Meclizine
- Hangers
- Sun & Bug Protection
- Comfortable Shoes
Be sure to to call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise quote request so we can begin planning your next well-deserved cruise vacation!!
The Best Way To Carry Money Overseas
Before you leave for your next trip abroad, take a moment to think dollars and cents — or should we say pounds and pesos? Get the most for your money when traveling internationally by doing a little homework first. The most important step is to know your options. In days of yore, traveler’s checks were the most popular way to carry money overseas — but today’s travelers are much more likely to rely on credit cards, and ATM withdrawals, which usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees. What’s the best option for you? And how can you avoid those pesky currency conversion fees when making purchases abroad? Here are some tips.
- Credit Cards – The first thing you should do if you are traveling abroad with a credit card, even if you only plan to use it in case of an emergency, is to call the issuer and ask which fees will apply to your purchases, both in local currency and in dollars. We recommend calling before each trip, as these policies may change without notice.
- Debit & ATM Cards – If the ATM card from your home bank isn’t connected to the worldwide Cirrus or PLUS networks, you may want to look into getting a MasterCard or Visa debit card. While they look and can be used like regular charge cards, they actually debit your checking account the same way your ATM card does.
- Cash – The first 24 hours of your trip — to tide you over until you can find the nearest ATM.
- Traveler’s Checks and Check Cards – Emergency backup if you can’t find a functioning ATM (checks) or a secure alternative to cash (checks and check cards).
- Sending Money Abroad – Best For: Emergencies when you need money sent overseas in a hurry. Pros: If you find yourself stranded overseas without cash, someone at home can wire money to you and you’ll have it within a day — or even a few minutes. Cons: Fees for sending money abroad can run anywhere from 1 ot 10 percent or more; the faster you need the money, the more expensive it will be. What You Need To Know: The best-known companies for sending money are Western Union and Moneygram. Both charge variable fees depending on how much money you’re sending and where you’re sending it. The slower the service you choose, the more economical he price. Other Choices: Bank wire transfers or international postal money orders from the post office. While less expensive, these methods may take more time.
The 10 best things to do In a Caribbean Port.
A cruise to the Caribbean gives you the chance to partake in many fun and diverse shore excursions. Whether you want something action-packed or laidback, you can find your ideal activities ashore. Consider these:
- Ziplining – While in port in St. Martin/St. Maarten, visit Loterie Farm at Pic Paradis, where you’ll find not only ziplining but also an obstacle course high up above the trees.
- Rainforest Hike – Lush & green St. Lucia is a prime Caribbean port for this activity. See the island’s exotic flora and fauna, and learn about the rainforest’s history and ecology — and its effects on the island — from your tour guide.
- City Tours – A city tour through San Juan, Puerto Rico is ideal due to the many historic places located right in the city center.
- Shopping – In St. Thomas, an island especially known for its duty-free shopping, partake in an excursion that takes you to some of the best shopping spots on the island.
- Snorkeling – The Antilla Shipwreck in Aruba is a favorite spot, as it’s shallow enough for snorkelers (not just scuba divers) to get a good look at the wreck.
- Waterfalls & Swimming Holes – In Jamaica, visit Dunn’s River Falls and swim in the water at its base. In Aruba, visit the Natural Pool, which is formed in the middle of large rocks in a scenic location by the island’s coastline.
- Play With Animal/Sea Life – If you’re an animal lover, the Caribbean is going to make love them even more, with the opportunity to see dolphins, monkeys, lizards and ride horses along the beach. At Stingray City in Grand Cayman, you can swim with hundreds of stingrays, who make their home in the bay and are used to human touch.
- White Water Rafting – A popular place to do this is in Jamaica, down the Rio Bueno River, which takes you through fast rapids and tropical scenery.
- Local Drinks – A distillery or brewery tour is a tasty way to get in touch with the local side of an island. In the Dominican Republic, try some sips of its famous rum while visiting a local distillery. While in San Juan, you can take a tour and sample many versions of rum from their famous Bacardi Rum Factory.
- Ancient Sites – Many Caribbean cruises make stops along the eastern coast of Mexico near Cancun. While there, visit the ruins of Tulum to see remnants of the way ancient Mayan civilizations lived.
Bargain Travel specializes in cruise packages to the Caribbean with all the major cruise lines. Please contact us at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a cruise quote request so we can plan and book your next exotic cruise vacation!
The Best Caribbean Islands for Beach Lovers
On virtually every island in the Caribbean, you will find a great beach. However, the beaches located on the following islands, are their biggest selling point.
- Anguilla
- Aruba
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Grand Cayman
- Providenciales (Turks & Caicos)
- St. Barths
- St. John (US Virgin Islands)
- Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra & Vieques (just off Puerto Rico)
Bargain Travel offers packages to these and many other Caribbean islands. Please contact us at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request so that we can fulfill your dream Caribbean vacation!!
The 20 Best Hotel Breakfasts In America
Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. Why not make it the GREATEST meal of the day at one of these 20 fine hotel properties, which are considered the best in America:
- The W Austin Hotel (Austin, TX)
- The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill (Rosemary Beach, FL)
- The Little River Inn (Little River, CA)
- The Standard Hotel (New York, NY)
- The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)
- The Four Seasons Hotel (Saint Louis, MO)
- The Peninsula Hotel (Chicago, IL)
- The Washington School House Hotel (Park City, UT)
- The Modern Honolulu (Honolulu, HI)
- The Dunhill Hotel (Charlotte, NC)
- The Marriott Courtyard Portland City Center (Portland, OR)
- La Fonda On The Plaza (Santa Fe, NM)
- The Stonewall Jackson Inn (Harrisonburg, VA)
- The Hay-Adams Hotel (Washington, DC)
- The Fairmont Hotel (San Francisco, CA)
- The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, NV)
- The Boston Harbor Hotel (Boston, MA)
- The Four Seasons Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)
- The Brown Palace Hotel (Denver, CO)
- The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, TN)
Call Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request so we can satisfy your vacation palate at one of these great hotels!!
New York Hotels – 10 New Hotels from Frugal to Spendy
Trying to find a new hotel in New York City? Here are 10 stylish independent hotel properties that all opened within the last 10 months or to be opened in late 2013/early 2014:
- Hyatt Place New York Midtown South, 185 rooms on West 36th Street, Opened March 2013.
- Hyatt Union Square New York, 178 Rooms on Fourth Avenue, Opened April 2013.
- The Jade Hotel, 113 Rooms on West 13th Street in Greenwich Village, Opened March 2013.
- Holiday Inn Express Herald Square, 135 Rooms on West 36th Street, Opened January 2013.
- Holiday Inn Express NYC West Side, 177 Rooms on West 48th Street, Opened May 2013.
- Holiday Inn Inn NYC Lower East Side, 132 Rooms on Delancey Street, Opened March 2013.
- The Refinery Hotel, 197 Rooms on West 38th Street, opened May 2013.
- The Viceroy New York, 240 Rooms on West 57th Street, Opened October 9th.
- The Hyatt Times Square, 487 Rooms on West 45th Street, Not opened yet, but is taking reservations for stays beginning December 3rd 2013 and after.
- Holiday Inn Jamaica Queens JFK Airport, 201 Rooms on Brookville Boulevard (about 10 minutes from JFK Airport and 45 minutes from Manhattan), Not opened yet, but is taking reservations for arrivals beginning January 5th 2014 and after.
Additionally, there are two more upscale Manhattan hotels due to open sometime soon: (1) The Quin on West 57th Street and (2) The SLS ” Coming to Park Avenue in 2014″.
On your next trip to New York City, if you would like to stay at one of these great hotels, please contact Bargain Travel at 1-800-820-4567 or send us a land quote request and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Cruise Vacations: Family Fun by Land & Sea
Whether you’re looking to get away for a few days or a week or two, there are plenty of options for you and your family. While you may want a relaxing trip at sea on a beautiful cruise ship, your kids may want something full of fun and adventure at every turn. Even though you may have a different taste for a vacation, no one needs to sacrifice what they want!Family fun by land and seais a great compromise for families with different tastes! Check out these great options to satisfy the needs of everyone.
Try a Disney Cruise for Family Fun
Disney cruises are great for families with kids of all ages! With any three, four or five night cruise on the Disney cruise line, guests can receive up to a five-day park-hopper pass for everyone in their group. Your resort stay includes unlimited admission to all four theme parks! You just choose your cruise destination and whether you want to visit the park before or after your cruise. With Disney Cruises, you can choose from a wide variety of destinations such as Alaska, Bahamas, Europe, Caribbean, Hawaii and more! Kids can also enjoy a variety of different onboard youth activities while adults can enjoy elegant dining, nightclubs and lounges and serene salons and spas.
Have Family Fun with Royal Caribbean & Universal Studios
Another great option for families is a cruise with Royal Caribbean & Universal Studios. When you plan a three to four night Bahamas cruise, four to five night Western Caribbean cruise or a seven night Eastern/Western Caribbean cruise, you’ll receive a three to four day park passes for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure! Your family will love the the different places you can travel to and have the thrills of roller coasters and attractions from Universal Studios.
Book an Alaskan Cruise for Family Adventure & Fun
For an adventurous and family-fun vacation, try an Alaskan land and sea cruise for your family! These cruises are perfect for families that love to be outdoors and being closer to nature. Alaskan cruises generally follow two basic land and sea routes, the Gulf of Alaska and western Canada. Alaskan cruises can be combined with Gulf of Alaska cruises and Inside Passage cruises. When combined, guests can spend a few nights in Denali National Park and experience Alaskan wildlife, hiking, Gold Rush history and so much more! An Alaskan cruise is the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure for every family!
Book a Land & Sea Cruise for Family Fun
Just because you and your family may have a difference of opinions when it comes to the perfect vacation, no one needs to sacrifice getting what they want when you book a land and sea cruise. When you book with Bargain Travel Cruises, you will get the best cruise experience for your money! We will give you the best vacation for your hard earned money without skipping on the accommodations and details you want from your cruise. No matter where you want to travel to, you’ll be getting the best deal possible when you book with Bargain Travel. For more information about how we can help you find the best land and sea cruise for your family, give us a call today at (800) 820 – 4567.