Cruise Planning

Why Cheapest Isn’t Always Best When It Comes to Travel

Nancy Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa, Cruise Planning, Disney Vacation Planning, Great US Destinations, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Universal Orlando Resort , , , , , , 0 Comment

Everyone wants to know they’re getting the best possible price for their vacation – but how do you actually do that?

Do you scour “discount” travel sites that offer trips at cheap prices? Do you grab that Groupon that just showed up in your email? Do you ask thousands of people you don’t know in a Facebook group? Do you book the inn that your Aunt Martha said was a great deal when she and Uncle Harry visited there 20 years ago?

The answer actually starts with two truths that you probably heard as a kid:

  1. You get what you paid for.
  2. If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.

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See the USA and Explore America’s Great River

Nancy Cruise Planning, Great US Destinations , , , , , , 0 Comment

When most people think about exploring America, they think of either a classic long road trip, or they consider taking to the skies to get to where they want to go as quickly as possible. But there’s another way that you can experience a fabulous vacation seeing the USA – on a relaxing river or waterway cruise.

Long popular on the rivers of Europe, river cruisers can leisurely sail past beautiful scenery and historic landmarks, dock at fascinating ports, enjoy delicious regional cuisine, all while benefiting from unpacking once, and not having to think about packing again until the end of their trip. Read more

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Vacation Souvenirs You’ll Always Treasure

Nancy Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa, Cruise Planning, Disney Vacation Planning, Disney Vacation Tips, Great US Destinations, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Saving Money on Souvenirs, Universal Orlando Resort, Vacations Around the World , , , , 0 Comment
Yes I bring an extra empty suitcase on vacation and this is why.

I may be what my husband calls a “souvenir junkie” – but not in the way you think. I just feel that vacation souvenirs deserve more attention than a random ‘grab-a-quick-chochki-in-the-hotel-gift-shop’ type of attention. Because once you get home and recover from your PTD (post-trip-depression, which is totally a thing), having some truly special items that provide you with treasured vacation memories is worth more than whatever you spent on them.

I think that souvenirs deserve a little thought.

Over the years, we have accumulated a variety of interesting souvenirs, both when our daughter was young and on our own, and I can truly say that I pretty much know where, if not when, we got nearly all of them. Those souvenirs are packed with precious memories, and whether they were expensive or cheap, they’re pretty priceless at this point!

So what are some of the vacation souvenirs that have become our “past vacation” treasures? Read more

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Tips From a TA: How to Prepare for Flying Right Now

Nancy Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa, COVID Travel Tips, Cruise Planning, Disney Vacation Planning, Great US Destinations, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Universal Orlando Resort , , , , 0 Comment

Travel is back! And if you’re planning your first trip since the pandemic – especially if it’s the first time you’ll be flying – some of our experiences on our recent vacation to the American southwest will likely be helpful for you to know. Because when you know what to expect, you can be prepared! Read more

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Packing Tips You Need for Your Next Vacation

Nancy Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa, Cruise Planning, Disney Vacation Planning, Great US Destinations, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Universal Orlando Resort , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment

It’s almost time for your long-awaited and long-anticipated vacation, but there’s one little thing standing between you and your destination.

Packing.

While not the most fun part of a trip, in many ways it’s one of the most important. Under-pack and you risk not having something you really need – and then spending vacation souvenir money on an overpriced item that you could have brought from home for free. Over-pack and you could end up paying more for luggage fees on your plane – and end up not using half the stuff you brought. Read more

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