Family Vacation Central

One of the decisions you make when you book a cruise is whether to have an inside or outside cabin. Of course, the outside cabins are generally preferred because they have a window to the outside world. Inside cabins typically have no windows and are more confining, but in contrast they also tend to cost less.

The decision to have an outside or inside cabin is a matter of cost and personal choice. If money is an issue, then an inside cabin is one way to save on your vacation dollar. And, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing.

Whether or not you have an inside or outside cabin, you will be receiving the same services offered all over the ship. Your room steward will still service your room, make up the beds and keep it clean. You will still be able to get room service. You will still have your own private bathroom facilities. Read the rest of this entry »

Berlin brings to one’s mind the great divide (or the Berlin Wall) that divided the city into two different political entities. However, the new rejuvenated and reunited Berlin is marching ahead into the future post millennium. It is casting itself as the most important new and modernistic city of Continental Europe.

Berlin’s dark past as Hitler’s capital of Nazi atrocities and as the capital of Cold War in the later years, has not escaped the psyche of the local population or the visitors. The popular opinion says that Berliners do not know where they are going, but know their past, and do not want to go back there. After being completely annihilated in the WW II bombings, Berlin has since optimistically rebuilt itself as a modern structure of glass and steel.

The scars still remain, mostly as a tourist attraction. For example the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church displays the shell of the bell tower that remains, in striking contrast to the modern church constructed to the west, fondly nicknamed “lipstick and powderbox” because of the design. Read the rest of this entry »

If you enjoy going on vacations, than you probably know just how expensive these vacations can be. Traveling to the Caribbean is no different. Although it may be pricey, a vacation to the Caribbean will be one that you will never forget, so you should consider it, even if you have little money in your budget for traveling. There are ways to raise the money for this kind of a vacation.

First and foremost, you can begin budgeting for your Caribbean vacation simply by declaring to yourself that you are doing so. It puts you in a different mindset when you are putting money into a certain fund or account geared to a specific purchase. Open a separate savings account and decide that whatever money you put into this bank account cannot be taken out except to pay for your Caribbean vacation. Every time you get a paycheck, put a little money into this account. It doesn’t have to be a lot-it all adds up over time. Make sure that you don’t cut yourself short for things like mortgage payments or groceries though, but try to put as much into the account as possible. Read the rest of this entry »

Traveling anywhere in the world can be fun or stressful depending on how well you pack. When you are going overseas, it is a good idea to learn about all of the things you’ll need and to plan you clothing and personal belongings carefully. Packing well can make your trip extra special and less hassled.

First, pack all of the important things you need in a place that is secure, yet accessible. If you are traveling with your family, have all of these things in the same place to prevent confusions. Important documents to keep on hand include airplane tickets, passports, IDs, boarding passes, copies of prescriptions, and other things you could need quickly to help your time in the airport go smoothly.

You should carefully plan out what to pack in your carry on. All airports have special rules as to what can and cannot be taken onboard the plane. These rules change frequently, so your best bet is to call the airline about a week before your flight to be sure you are up to date on the rules. You can also check the airline’s website. A general rule of thumb is to not carry anything that could be considered a weapon, including nail clippers, lighters, and pocket knives. Even pens are now considered too sharp to carry on a plane. Also, water bottles have been restricted in some airports, as inclusions in carry on luggage. Read the rest of this entry »

Choosing the deck that your cabin is on can be an important decision in adding to your cruise enjoyment. Different cruise ships have many floors, or decks, and not all decks are the same. The upper-most decks on a cruise ship are usually the most desirable, but even if you cannot afford to be on one of those prestigious decks, the good news is that is doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

When choosing a deck for your cruise adventure it is wise to look at the location of your cabin on the deck you are considering. Before committing yourself to a particular deck, from the ship’s layout pay attention to what is located where. Is the elevator shaft or engine room in close proximity to your cabin? Does the deck you choose have the disco on it that may be noisy late into the night? Does this deck contain the children’s activity area which may be noisy during the day when you wish to nap? Read the rest of this entry »