Tag: World Travel

Small Is The Big New Thing In Cruising

If your perception is cruise vacations are limited to big ships with laser tag, bumper cars, ice skating rinks and Broadway shows, you’re missing the fastest growing segment of the industry. Luxury yacht and expedition vessels offer those of you with wanderlust easy access to remote places that are hard to reach by road or air. Your obstacle course today might be navigating your kayak around icebergs or for evening entertainment, watch and listen to dolphins frolicking right in front of you – from a window under the surface of the ocean.

During Seatrade Cruise Global this week in Miami, of the nine scheduled press conferences, six were either about small luxury yachts or expedition cruising. In an industry that expects to welcome over 28 million ocean cruise passengers next year, there are over 40 new niche vessels set to launch by 2022.

Ponant announced that it had taken delivery of its third new explorer ship since last June, Le Bougainville with just 92 staterooms and Blue Eye, an underwater observatory that enables viewing sea life as it swims right by your ship. In two months she will be joined by Le Dumont D’Urville, its ninth ship. Owned by France’s Pinault family (they also own Gucci, Brioni, Saint Laurent, and other luxury fashion brands), its fleet will grow to a dozen ships, the last in the current plan, the world’s first electric hybrid polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas due in May 2021.

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Ponant will launch the world’s first electric hybrid polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas, Le Commandant Charcot, in May 2021

PONANT

Seabourn, a unit of Carnival Corporation & Plc, used the event to reveal interiors of its first of three expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture, coming in June 2021. Legendary designer Adam Tihany previewed the Expedition Lounge, Discovery Center and Landing Zone. The areas are each linked together to provide both an easy flow on and off the vessel.

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Design legend Adam Tihany is personally designing the interiors for Seabourn’s first expedition vessel, the Seabourn Venture.

SEABOURN

The Expedition Lounge allows guests to have a warm drink before they head into Arctic waters or gather for a cocktail and share photos after another epic venture. The Discovery Center will have enough seating to accommodate every guest and will be where the ship’s 26-person expedition team of wilderness experts, scientists, historians, and naturalists will lecture and lead discussions.

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The Expedition Lounge is connected to Discovery Center (above) to provide a better flow for guests as the depart and arrive back for the day’s adventure.

SEABOURN

Tihany told the media he personally is leading and involved in all elements of the design, including the custom furniture. He said he was particularly proud of detailed, luxury touches and materials in Landing Zone, the ship’s version of a mudroom where guests will change into or out of exploration equipment.

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Tihany said attention to detail, including using high-quality materials in the ship’s mud room, reflect Seabourn’s philosophy that adventure travel can be luxurious.

SEABOURN

The next day, Silversea gave the press its first glimpse of the Silver Origin, which adds a high luxury offering to the Galapagos starting in the summer of 2020. Roberto Martinoli said it’s the company’s first vessel to utilize new owner Royal Caribbean’s cutting edge virtual reality design studio. He said the high-tech approach enabled his team to better understand how to best utilize the ship’s space.

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Silver Origin will provide a new luxury option to visit the Galapagos Islands.

SILVERSEA

Like Seabourn, Silversea is trying to enhance the experience of experiential travel with floor to ceiling high-definition, interactive digital walls enabling its experts to provide more dynamic briefings.  Basecamp will be an elegant lounge in which guests can socialize before and after excursions.

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Guests on Silversea Origin will find lounge areas designed so they can socialize and discuss tales of that day’s adventures.

SILVERSEA

Earlier this year, Silversea announced for the first time in its history it will have two world cruises in the same year, including the first-ever luxury expedition world voyage. Sailing aboard Silver Cloud, guests will spend 165 days starting from Ushuaia on the tip of South America west, ending in Tromso, Norway. While there will be stops in world capitals such as Singapore and London, its 107 ports in 30 countries will include calls in Antarctica, tiny Pacific atolls, remotes islands of the Indonesia archipelago and a myriad of off-the-beaten-track Greek isles.

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Silver Cloud will offer the industry’s first luxury world expedition cruises visiting 107 ports in 165 days next year.

SILVERSEA

Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, whose Azora will make her inaugural voyage in February 2020 told journalists his only problem is not having enough ships. He said the company is already discussing what’s next after its first three.

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For the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Club, as it gets ready to launch its first vessel, its CEO says his only problem is demand is outstripping supply.

RITZ-CARLTON YACHT CLUB

Victory Cruise Lines, which was acquired by the same holding company that owns American Queen Steamboat Company in January, announced it will expand itineraries beyond the Great Lakes along the eastern seaboard, including New England and the South as well as seven-day journeys from Cancun exploring the Mayan peninsula. Its president and CEO John Waggoner said in 2021 its new Ocean Victory, hosting 200 passengers with 20 zodiacs, will offer its first cruises to Alaska.

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Windstar Cruises is adding more capacity by stretching three of its ship as part of a $250 million renovation program.

WINDSTAR

Meanwhile, Windstar Cruises showed off details of a $250 million renovation across its three small ships, which includes adding 50 suites on each via stretching the hull, a process that entails splitting the ships and then adding a new section in the middle.

Denver travel mess: 750 flight cancellations and counting

Airlines canceled more than 750 flights into and out of Denver Wednesday ahead of aspring blizzard, and the travel pain is expected to spread to other cities as the potentially historic storm moves into the upper Midwest.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, which have major operations at Denver International Airport, each canceled about 200 flights to and from Denver, according to flight tracker FlightAware. That’s about half of their scheduled Wednesday flights. Regional airline SkyWest, a feeder carrier for United, canceled 158 flights, about half of its scheduled flights. Frontier, which is based in Denver, has canceled 39 Denver flights.

The Denver cancellations are already spilling into Thursday, with 175 flights to and from the airport canceled as of 6:45 p.m. EDT, according to FlightAware. That number is expected to grow as the storm develops.

You don’t have to be flying to or from Denver to be affected. Southwest and United connect a lot of passengers through Denver, so travelers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Airlines have been allowing travelers to change their flights to avoid the storm, dubbed Winter Storm Wesley.

Policies vary by airline, but in general the waivers allowed affected travelers to change their flights without penalty.

Passengers whose flights are canceled are eligible for a refund even if they bought a nonrefundable ticket.

Airline travel waivers for spring blizzard

Southwest Airlines: Covers Denver flights scheduled for April 10 and 11 and Minneapolis flights April 10-12. Milwaukee flights on April 10 also included.

United Airlines: Covers Colorado flights and flights in Minneapolis and cities in the Great Plains from April 10-11.

American Airlines: Covers Colorado and Upper Midwest flights from April 10-11.

Frontier Airlines: Covers Colorado, Minneapolis, Wisconsin and other Upper Midwest flights from April 10-11.

Delta Air Lines: Covers flights to and from Colorado and Upper Midwest cities from April 10-11.

12 Places Around the World That Are Weirdly Popular on TripAdvisor

a group of people in a field: Carhenge, a replica of England's Stonehenge located near the city of Alliance, Nebraska

We’re talking about places that make you look at their high ratings and think, “Really? There?”

For example, one of the highest rated tourist attractions in Cornwall, England is a tunnel leading to a supermarket. Another highly rated attraction, this time in California, is an alley were people have stuck used gum over the years. Or, there’s the Prada store that’s literally in the middle of nowhere. Even better, there’s a room full of dirt in New York City that people apparently really enjoy.

These places may not have obvious appeal to the casual TripAdvisor user. But for those who’ve gone to these places, it’s easy to see why they’re so special. Just take a look at the reviews and you’ll see that there are people in the world who go gaga for the seemingly everyday, mundane, or just plain odd attractions that you may not even have bothered to stop for.

They may not be world renowned restaurants, important, historical landmarks, or prestigious museums filled with fine art, but these places might be good to put on your travel bucket list. Especially if you’d like to go off the beaten path once in a while.

Don’t take our word for it, check out the reviews.

a view of the side of a road: Getty Images©

Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world — Dunedin, New Zealand: 4 stars

Move over, San Francisco. You’ve got nothing on Baldwin Street. This road actually still holds the Guinness World Record title for the steepest street in the world. So, if you’re a world record enthusiast, it’s easy to see why this place has four stars on TripAdvisor. One reviewer who rated it five stars, said, “It is what it says. It’s steep!”

Bude Tunnel — Cornwall, England: 5 stars

With over 480 five-star reviews, this tunnel is the highest rated attraction in Cornwall. It’s not a special tunnel at first glance; It just connects a supermarket parking lot to a main road. But occasionally (especially at Christmas) it is decorated in colorful lights. Reviewers have called it the “8th wonder of the world” and an “amazing, magical experience.” Plus, it’s free to experience.

a group of stuffed animals sitting on top of a grass covered field: Adam Evans / Alamy Stock Photo©

The Gnome Reserve and Flower Garden — West Putford, England: 4.5 stars

Nature lovers can easily enjoy this beautiful garden that’s perfect for walking around on a nice, spring day. But what makes it special (maybe even a little strange) is that it’s also a gnome “sanctuary,” where dozens of little gnomes populate the grounds. It’s quirky, to say the least. “I defy anyone to come here and not to smile. It is a little oasis of happiness and innocent joy,” said one reviewer. It also has a TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence.”

Carhenge — Alliance, Nebraska: 4.5 stars

Anyone who has driven through Nebraska knows there isn’t too much to see. But, there is Carhenge, a replica of Stonehenge, only made with cars. While it seems like a typical roadside attraction, it’s actually a pretty impressive sight to behold. Carhenge is actually created with old, vintage automobiles, and looks like a fascinating piece of art in the middle of the Plains. “Carhenge is a wonderful take on Stonehenge. Sure, it is a tongue-in-cheek take, but it is kind of impressive,” said one reviewer.

a man walking down a sidewalk: Lisa Kimberly/Getty Images©

Bubblegum Alley — San Luis Obispo, California: 3.5 stars

This one is just what it sounds like: an alley filled with gum. But it’s not exactly a candy store. Bubblegum Alley (rated 3.5 stars, so it’s very good but not for everyone) is famous in San Luis Obispo for being a place where people have been sticking their used gum for years. But the result is actually pretty fascinating (and colorful). “Yes it’s an alley with gum. That’s it. Would be interesting to know history. That being said I found it colorful, interesting and strange. Of course I took some gum and stuck it on the wall,” one reviewer said.

a rocky mountain: Michael Weber/Getty Images© Michael Weber/Getty Images Michael Weber/Getty Images

Hole N’ The Rock — Moab, Utah: 4 stars

Hole N’ The Rock looks like it might be a natural wonder (aside from the big, painted sign) when you’re driving past, but it’s actually a unique home that was carved into the rock in Utah’s Canyonlands Country. Now, it’s a nice little gift shop, petting zoo, and trading post where you can take tours all year. One positive reviewer called it “ultimate hokiness,” which we’re going to assume is a good thing.

The Thing — Benson, Arizona: 3.5 stars

What is The Thing? Well, you’ll probably have to stop there for yourself. This decades-old attraction has apparently been renewed and improved over the years, according to reviews, so it’s been getting some higher reviews recently. Even if you don’t figure out what The Thing is, you can still shop in the massive gift shop for something unique. One very recent reviewer called it a “mandatory” stop for them on their trip.

a train traveling down a dirt road: Jo Hunter/Shutterstock© J

Prada Marfa — Valentine, Texas: 4 stars

You probably didn’t expect to see high end fashion in the middle of the Texas desert. Well, you’re not alone there. Plenty of other TripAdvisor users were surprised by this highly-rated Prada “store” about an hour from Marfa, Texas. You sadly can’t buy any shoes or handbags there, though — it’s just an art installation. Those who visit can leave a memento like a lock on a fence nearby. “It’s simply a storefront in the middle of nowhere but that’s what makes it so unique. I love random things and this fits the bill,” one reviewer said.

a row of houses in a garden: Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo© Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo

16 Avenue Tiled Steps — San Francisco, California: 4.5 stars

Who thought a staircase could be such an attraction? It helps when it’s covered in a beautiful mosaic. Even though this attraction in San Francisco is just a set of steps in a residential neighborhood, they are completely Instagram-worthy. One reviewer said, “Maybe this is too far away from the wharf for your typical tourist, but these fun, arty steps open up to one of the best views in SF.”

a person sitting on a rock: Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images© Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images

Fremont Troll — Seattle, Washington: 4 stars

You’ve probably heard the tale of the troll under the bridge. Well, Seattle actually has one. This 18-foot tall stone carving looks like a troll under the Aurora Avenue Bridge, and it’s a pretty popular tourist site. The sculpture is considered a good spot for “selfies” according to one reviewer. Another reviewer said, “Leave it to Seattle to place a sculpture of a massive troll that looks like it’s emerging from the ground with a real VW bug in one of its hands.” Not bad for a sculpted piece of rock.

The New York Earth Room — New York City, New York: 4 Stars

Out of the dozens upon dozens of well-reviewed attractions in New York City, here is one that is a solid four stars: a room full of dirt. But it’s an important room full of dirt, because it’s a quiet and peaceful place in the city (one of few), and it is actually an indoor art installation by Walter De Maria, created in 1977. Reviewers have noted the smell of the soil in particular. And despite it having four stars, the reviews are diverse and remarkably complicated. “I thought I wouldn’t enjoy this, but honestly…it was amazing,” said one reviewer. “I think if I lived in NYC in this concrete jungle, the smell, the quiet and the energy of this installation would appeal. For me however, I live in a beautiful, wild, nature-filled place, so to me it was just a room full of dirt,” said another.

Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo© Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

World’s Largest Chest of Drawers — High Point, North Carolina: 3.5 stars

With furniture like this, you’ll probably never have to worry about storage again. American roadside attractions seem to have a fascination with overly large things (big balls of twine, giant bricks, large dog statues, etc.), and one of these attractions has got to be one of the most ordinary of them all: a chest of drawers. While one reviewer was disappointed by the “what you see is what you get” aspect of this attraction, another described it as “furniture galore!”

These are the world’s best cities according to TripAdvisor

Slide 1 of 3: The popular travel site chooses top destinations each year using an algorithm based on millions of reviews over a 12-month period. These ratings are written by millions of people from all around the globe and they're mostly reviews of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

The City’s popularity skyrocketed after the royal wedding

The popular travel site chooses top destinations each year using an algorithm based on millions of reviews over a 12-month period. These ratings are written by millions of people from all around the globe and they’re mostly reviews of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Slide 2 of 3: For the first time ever New York wasn't included in world's top 10 cities. Traveler's long-time favorite destination was ranked this year as the 13th best-rated destination by TripAdvisor. This comes as a suprise because New York has always been rated as one of the top choices for tourists in recent years. Destinations like Prague, Barcelona and Istanbul have been ranked higher than the famous Big Apple.

2/3 SLIDES © cla78/123RF

New York City didn’t make it to the top 10

For the first time ever New York wasn’t included in world’s top 10 cities. Traveler’s long-time favorite destination was ranked this year as the 13th best-rated destination by TripAdvisor. This comes as a suprise because New York has always been rated as one of the top choices for tourists in recent years. Destinations like Prague, Barcelona and Istanbul have been ranked higher than the famous Big Apple.
Slide 3 of 3: If you need some inspiration for planning your next vacation, here's the full list of top 25 best-ranked destinations in the world, according to the 2019 TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice Award: 1. London, United Kingdom2. Paris, France3. Rome, Italy4. Crete, Greece5. Bali, Indonesia6. Phuket, Thailand7. Barcelona, Spain8. Istanbul, Turkey9. Marrakech, Morocco10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates11. Prague, Czech Republic12. Siem Reap, Cambodia13. New York City, New York14. Jamaica15. Hanoi, Vietnam16. Tokyo, Japan17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico18. Lisbon, Portugal19. Kathmandu, Nepal20. Jaipur, India21. Hurghada, Egypt22. Hong Kong, China23. Cusco, Peru24. Sydney, Australia25. Tel Aviv, Israel

3/3 SLIDES © Rueangrit Srisuk/123RF

What are the other top destinations?

If you need some inspiration for planning your next vacation, here’s the full list of top 25 best-ranked destinations in the world, according to the 2019 TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award:
1. London, United Kingdom
2. Paris, France
3. Rome, Italy
4. Crete, Greece
5. Bali, Indonesia
6. Phuket, Thailand
7. Barcelona, Spain
8. Istanbul, Turkey
9. Marrakech, Morocco
10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
11. Prague, Czech Republic
12. Siem Reap, Cambodia
13. New York City, New York
14. Jamaica
15. Hanoi, Vietnam
16. Tokyo, Japan
17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
18. Lisbon, Portugal
19. Kathmandu, Nepal
20. Jaipur, India
21. Hurghada, Egypt
22. Hong Kong, China
23. Cusco, Peru
24. Sydney, Australia
25. Tel Aviv, Israel

You Can Dive to Never-before-seen Ancient Shipwrecks in Greece

underwater view of a swimming pool: Diving Ancient Wrecks, Peristera, Greece - 07 Apr 2019

Travelers with a love for archeology will soon have an entire new world to explore under Greece’s waters, as some of the country’s most fascinating ancient shipwrecks will open to the public for the first time.

The first of the shipwrecks to open will be the Peristera shipwreck, which dates back to the 5th century B.C. and leaves remains of historic artifacts for divers to admire, including thousands of centuries-old containers believed to have been used to transport wine.

The shipwreck, located roughly 1.5 miles away from Alonissos island on the barren island of Peristera, is believed to have most likely been an Athenian cargo ship that sank to a depth of about 30 meters. It remains today the largest cargo ship of its time to have been found.

An excursion held last weekend was the first to showcase what awaits the public under the new plan run by the European Commission-funded BlueMed initiative.

“The goal is in the next two years to make the country’s shipwrecks visitable, but also to provide important information and raise awareness about underwater monuments,” Konstantinos Stratis, deputy minister of culture and sports, said at the event.

a group of people on a boat in the water: Elena Becatoros/AP/REX/Shutterstock©
While the country is teeming with underwater artifacts and shipwrecks waiting to be discovered, many of them have remained closed to the public and have only been accessible to archeologists to ensure their protection. Scuba diving was banned through most of the country for several years until locations slowly began to open to divers starting in 2005.

With the new project, three additional shipwrecks in Greece will open to the public. There are also plans to open similar shipwrecks in Italy and Croatia, with a goal of having the sites open to recreational divers starting in early 2021, according to AP.

 

“It was an amazing opportunity … to dive at last on an ancient wreck,” Kostas Menemenoglou, a 39-year-old recreational diver from Volos, told AP. “It’s really like diving into history.”

After exploring the shipwrecks, visitors can also spend time in the the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades to see the monk seals that call the area home or explore one of the many caves that await in Alonissos thanks to its rocky coastline and terrain.

While divers will be able to see the ships and their artifacts in large collections on seabeds, those who don’t want to get into the water will also be able to explore the historic finds through virtual reality experiences that will be set up on dry ground.

Business traveller: What you need to know about roaming charges

Few expenses sneak up on you as deviously as international cellphone charges. But telecom rates don’t have to be exorbitant if you do a little homework before you travel.

Start by talking to your own provider to see what’s covered. As companies update their phone plans, features get added and changed, resulting in benefits to current customers that they might know nothing about.

If you have an iPad with an Apple  SIM, you can browse cellular data plans from select carriers in almost 100 countries and regions worldwide. You might be able to buy a SIM card for a specific country before making your trip.

Here are options while travelling.

U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Germany, China and Japan

For business trips of five days or fewer, using your cell service provider’s roaming plan might be most convenient. For longer trips, it’s cheaper to buy a local SIM card. If you go to European Union countries, you can get a local SIM card in one country and roam freely in other EU member countries. In all cases where users buy a SIM card, their phone must be unlocked.

Roaming with your Canadian service provider starts at about $5 a day depending on the provider. With Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) Roam Like Home, for example, most subscribers on a consumer plan can use their normal Canadian rate plan for $5 per day in the U.S. and $10 per day in more than 100 other international destinations.

Roaming charges will max out after a certain time period in each month, after which there are no charges. With Rogers and Fido, after 10 days of payment, subscribers can roam freely for the rest of their monthly billing cycle. Telus (TSX:T) caps its charges at $100 per month in the U.S. and $150 per month internationally; Bell (TSX:BCE) applies daily charges up to 20 days.

U.S.

All four major U.S. carriers – AT&T (NYSE:T), T-Mobile (Nasdaq:TMUS), Sprint (NYSE:S) and Verizon (NYSE:VZ) – offer monthly plans with unlimited data starting at between $30 and $40. As with almost every data plan offered in the U.S., pricing increases depending on how much high-speed data the consumer wants. The most intriguing offering comes courtesy of T-Mobile, which offers a three-week tourist plan. Priced at $30, it includes 1,000 talk minutes, two gigabytes (GB) of LTE data and Wi-Fi hot-spot functionality.

There are also a variety of low-cost mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that call the U.S. home. FreedomPop, for instance, offers a US$19.99 per month, unlimited talk, text and 1 GB data plan. With Roam Mobility, travellers can buy the SIM card for $9.95 and pay $4.95 a day for talk, text and data.

Internationally

AlwaysOnline Wireless sells data SIM cards for US$14.99 with a variety of plans by the hour, day or megabyte in more than 90 countries. In the U.K. and France, for example, travellers can get 3 GB of data over 30 days for US$60, while in Italy and Germany it’s US$90 and in Japan and China it’s US$120 for the same plan.

SIM stickers – which customers affix to their existing SIM card – are another option. KnowRoaming sells a SIM sticker option and an unlocked SIM. The sticker costs US$30, while the unlocked SIM is priced at US$10. Once consumers have a KnowRoaming SIM or SIM sticker, they can either buy an unlimited data pack, valid in more than 80 countries, for US$8 per day, or stick to pay-per-use rates.

U.K., France, Italy, Germany

Major European carriers include EE, O2, Vodafone and Orange. U.K. carrier Three offers its Three Essential Plan, which comes with 4 GB of data as well as unlimited calling and texting for 10 British pounds ($18) per month. As in the U.S., inexpensive MVNOs are also an option, including the U.K.’s Giffgaff, which offers plans starting at 10 British pounds.

China

The three major telecom players in China – China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom – offer special prepaid plans for visitors. China Unicom, for instance, offers prepaid SIMs with 1 GB of data for US$25.

Japan

MVNO service providers are the way to go in Japan. Many offer cheap data SIMs, but only one, Mobal, offers the ability to make and receive calls. Mobal’s SIM card costs $35.25 and there are 15-day, 7 GB plans for $47 and 30-day, 7 GB plans for $70.50.

The Key to Cheap Internet Service: A Local SIM Card

Want cheap data and phone calls when you’re abroad? Here’s how.

There’s an easy way to get zero roaming fees, inexpensive internet service and cheap phone calls when you travel. The trick is the SIM card, a tiny, removable chip, inside your phone.

Subscriber Identity Module cards are roughly the same size, and indeed look like, the microSD memory cards you’d find in a digital camera. (Some phones actually have both microSD and SIM cards, but most just have the latter.) The main purpose of a SIM card is to store a small amount of data that lets the closest cell tower know, among other things, what wireless company you’ve subscribed to. For example, if you’re on Verizon, the SIM card will let Verizon’s tower know that, yep, you’re on Verizon.

When you’re traveling, this creates a problem. When your phone connects to the tower in a different country, the tower effectively says “I don’t know you,” and either denies you service, or tells Verizon you’re roaming. If the latter, you get whatever speed Verizon and that provider have determined is acceptable, and you get charged exorbitant roaming rates. AT&T works similarly, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Google Fi are different, but we’ll get to them later.

If you’re wondering if you can just get a different SIM card that will work on a different network, you can.

For years that’s how I’ve gotten cheap data in dozens of countries all over the world. I’d arrive in a city, head to a local cellphone company store (like Vodafone, 3, or Orange), and buy a SIM and a month of service. These would have different names, like “pay-as-you-go” or “prepaid.” but in every store I’d just say I was traveling and wanted a SIM for a few weeks, and they all knew what I was looking for. Put the new SIM in your phone (make sure you don’t lose your old one, you’ll need it when you go home!) and you’re all set. If you’re not sure how to do that, the store will probably do it for you. You can be in and out with cheap high-speed data in less than 30 minutes.

The prices vary depending on country and provider, but on average I’ve paid around $20 for a month’s worth of 4G data and calls in that country. You read that right. Most roaming packages charge that for a few days, and are slow and data-limited as well. Most companies want to look at your passport, so make sure you bring it. A handful of countries have other requirements, so a quick Google search before you go is a good idea.

The catch, and you knew there’d have to be one, is that your phone has to be unlocked. This means your cellphone company has to enable a setting on your phone that allows you to use it on a different network. The process to do this varies, but in most cases you need to have paid off your phone. The actual unlocking process is free, though. I wrote about how this works over at Wirecutter, the product review site owned by The New York Times Company.

Not every phone will work in every country, but most new phones should be fine. Best to check with your current cellphone company to verify that your phone will work, and if it needs to be unlocked.

A handful of phones have dual-SIMs, which is exactly what it sounds like: two SIM card slots. This lets you keep your home SIM and your “away” SIM in the same phone. Not necessary for infrequent travelers, but for anyone who regularly goes to another country, quite handy.

5 Best Countries for Solo Female Travel

With each passing year, more American women (and women in general) are choosing to travel solo. Traveling alone as a woman can be daunting for first timer’s, but also thrilling and memorable.

If you’re not a seasoned traveler and are considering setting off on your own for the first time, you’re probably wondering where to go. Here are five of the safest countries in the world for women traveling alone, whether you’re traveling on foot or by plane.

australia

Australia

Australians are strong supporters of the “gap year.” The “gap year” is the year after graduating college that is dedicated to traveling around the world. Other countries have this custom but Australia really takes it to heart. It’s never too hard to run into young Aussies, especially women, traveling abroad.

By the same token, Australians can readily empathize with others who travel to their country. The people down under are very relaxed and laid back. Women are well respected there and usually have few problems. Consider looking into a car hire and doing a road trip on the Great Ocean Road.

netherlands

The Netherlands

The Dutch are very well behaved and quietly classy people. They believe that women should be independent, thus there’s very little harassment that takes place. English is widely spoken in larger urban areas and to some extent in rural areas as well.

The Dutch are quite friendly folk and there’s no better way to interact with the locals than by joining one of their favorite pastimes: bicycle riding. There’s nothing like riding along a dyke path, through tulip gardens, as windmills loom in the distance.

canada

Canada

America’s neighbor to the north has far less crime. The exchange rate is about even and most of Canada is pretty affordable. Canada may not be the most exotic location, but its proximity to the United States and shared culture make it a safe, comfortable place to visit. Cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are cosmopolitan and offer a wide variety of culture.

If that doesn’t suit you, try hiking along the breath taking trails of the Canadian Rockies. In years past, Americans have been known to travel abroad with maple leaf and Canadian flag stickers or patches on their personal belongings to avoid trouble. That by itself tells you everything you need to know about Canada.

ireland

Ireland

The Irish made their reputation by being extremely welcoming and very hospitable. Their friendliness, iconic landscapes and heartwarming pubs where the Guinness perpetually flows isn’t the stuff of lore. That said there’s no stigma attached to women drinking in Ireland like in other countries. Combine that with the gregarious nature of the Irish and you’re bound to find a memorable time.

If you’re a bit shy, try doing a bed and breakfast circuit. The Irish relish the opportunity to introduce you to their culture, but also to their people. Staying at a bed and breakfast will allow you to meet locals, as well as other travelers, so you won’t ever be alone, unless you want to.

costa rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world without a standing army. Do you need another reason to go? Despite many Latin American countries suffering from men who are too forward, Costa Rica refreshingly stands apart. Costa Ricans are calm, cool people that enjoy pura vida, or “the good life.”

Women can shop at the markets there without fear of being scammed or ripped off. Aside from the endearing nature of Costa Ricans, the country boasts some of the best ecotourism in all of the Americas. With a number of different climate zones, you’ll never be bored as the flora and fauna is astounding. The country also offers a dizzying amount of sports, from whitewater rafting, scuba diving, horseback riding, zip lining, surfing and many more.

30 Cruise Secrets Only Insiders Know

Slide 1 of 31: A cruise can be a great option for frugal vacationers. Not only can cruisers sail to exotic locales, sampling the culture and cuisine, but they can also enjoy a wide array of onboard activities, from swimming to rock climbing. But, that doesn’t mean cruising is inexpensive. Cruisers spent an average of about $1,425 per person on their trip, according to a 2016 annual report by Carnival Cruise Line, and that amount doesn’t even include airfare. Onboard amenities like spa treatments, exclusive restaurants and alcoholic drinks can destroy your vacation budget, too. GOBankingRates spoke to travel experts for tips on saving on your next cruise. Click through to learn how to avoid wasting money on your next cruise from these insiders.

A cruise can be a great option for frugal vacationers. Not only can cruisers sail to exotic locales, sampling the culture and cuisine, but they can also enjoy a wide array of onboard activities, from swimming to rock climbing.

But, that doesn’t mean cruising is inexpensive. Cruisers spent an average of about $1,425 per person on their trip, according to a 2016 annual report by Carnival Cruise Line, and that amount doesn’t even include airfare. Onboard amenities like spa treatments, exclusive restaurants and alcoholic drinks can destroy your vacation budget, too. GOBankingRates spoke to travel experts for tips on saving on your next cruise.

Slide 2 of 31: One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to book nine to 18 months before sailing, said Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of cruise reviews and information site Cruise Critic. “Booking in advance can allow you to not only secure a lower introductory fare, but it also can offer some significant add-on savings, like onboard credit, beverage packages or included gratuity — all of which could save hundreds of dollars,” she said. See how planning ahead can help you can enjoy a fall cruise on $100 a day.

Book Far in Advance

One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to book nine to 18 months before sailing, said Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of cruise reviews and information site Cruise Critic.

“Booking in advance can allow you to not only secure a lower introductory fare, but it also can offer some significant add-on savings, like onboard credit, beverage packages or included gratuity — all of which could save hundreds of dollars,” she said.Slide 3 of 31: If you’re a spur-of-the-moment vacationer, you can find deals on cruises within three months of departure. “The majority of companies will slash pricing at the last minute in order to fill the boat,” said Greg Geronemus, co-CEO of smarTours, a group vacation tour company. Expect discounts as high as 50 percent. Keep in mind, though, you’ll have a limited selection of cabins — and they’re not liable to be the best, since preferred cabins will likely have sold first, McDaniel said.

Book at the Last Minute

If you’re a spur-of-the-moment vacationer, you can find deals on cruises within three months of departure. “The majority of companies will slash pricing at the last minute in order to fill the boat,” said Greg Geronemus, co-CEO of smarTours, a group vacation tour company.

Expect discounts as high as 50 percent. Keep in mind, though, you’ll have a limited selection of cabins — and they’re not liable to be the best, since preferred cabins will likely have sold first, McDaniel said.

Slide 4 of 31: If you haven’t locked in time off from work, opt to vacation when cruise prices are lower. Pricing for the same cruise can vary by hundreds of dollars from one week to the next, said cruise expert Stewart Chiron of cruise deals site Cruise Guy.

 

Be Flexible With Dates

If you haven’t locked in time off from work, opt to vacation when cruise prices are lower. Pricing for the same cruise can vary by hundreds of dollars from one week to the next, said cruise expert Stewart Chiron of cruise deals site Cruise Guy.

Slide 5 of 31: You can search cruise options online all day and still miss out on a good deal. That’s because travel agencies tend to know about exclusive offers and promotions. “Travel agents constantly have their fingers on the pulse of the cruise industry,” said Rob Stuart, co-author of “Just Add Water: Your Guide to the Ultimate Cruise Vacation.” Not only do travel agents know the industry inside and out, they can buy tickets in bulk to get better pricing, Geronemus said. Using an agent can save couples up to hundreds of dollars, he said.

5/31 SLIDES © RossHelen / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Use a Travel Agent

You can search cruise options online all day and still miss out on a good deal. That’s because travel agencies tend to know about exclusive offers and promotions.

“Travel agents constantly have their fingers on the pulse of the cruise industry,” said Rob Stuart, co-author of “Just Add Water: Your Guide to the Ultimate Cruise Vacation.”

Not only do travel agents know the industry inside and out, they can buy tickets in bulk to get better pricing, Geronemus said. Using an agent can save couples up to hundreds of dollars, he said.

Slide 6 of 31: January through March is known as wave season, and McDaniel said this time of year is the equivalent of Black Friday for cruise lines. Not only can you find great deals, you might pick up perks like free drink packages, Stuart said. Don’t Miss: The Best Time to Book Your Travel Plans

Take Advantage of Wave Season

January through March is known as wave season, and McDaniel said this time of year is the equivalent of Black Friday for cruise lines. Not only can you find great deals, you might pick up perks like free drink packages, Stuart said.

Slide 7 of 31: When winter comes biting, hunt down Black Friday deals on cruises for your perfect Caribbean getaway. Cruise lines have offered enticing deals on the shopping holiday in past years, McDaniel said. “In some cases, cruises are deeply discounted and, of course, bundled with enticing add-ons,” she said.

Don’t Miss Black Friday Deals

When winter comes biting, hunt down Black Friday deals on cruises for your perfect Caribbean getaway. Cruise lines have offered enticing deals on the shopping holiday in past years, McDaniel said. “In some cases, cruises are deeply discounted and, of course, bundled with enticing add-ons,” she said.

Slide 8 of 31: You can save 20 to 30 percent on the price of a cruise by traveling during the shoulder season, when demand is low. Most shoulder seasons are in the spring or fall. Geronemus recommended cruising in Europe and Asia in April and October for lower prices. For Alaskan cruises, vacation in May and September, McDaniel said.

Cruise in the Low Season

You can save 20 to 30 percent on the price of a cruise by traveling during the shoulder season, when demand is low. Most shoulder seasons are in the spring or fall.

Geronemus recommended cruising in Europe and Asia in April and October for lower prices. For Alaskan cruises, vacation in May and September, McDaniel said.

Slide 9 of 31: Cruise fares tend to be highest during the holidays, when droves of vacationers are hitting the open seas. “If you can avoid times when everyone is traveling, you’re going to save a lot of money,” Geronemus said. Not only are cruise fares higher during major holidays and long weekends, but so is airfare.

Avoid Cruising on Holiday Weekends

Cruise fares tend to be highest during the holidays, when droves of vacationers are hitting the open seas.

“If you can avoid times when everyone is traveling, you’re going to save a lot of money,” Geronemus said. Not only are cruise fares higher during major holidays and long weekends, but so is airfare.

Slide 10 of 31: Schedule a cruise to the Caribbean between two of the biggest holidays of the year, and you can snag a good deal, Stuart said. Don’t book a cruise too close to Christmas, though, because fares will be higher. Travel Abroad: 15 of the Most Luxurious Winter Cruises in the World

Cruise Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

Schedule a cruise to the Caribbean between two of the biggest holidays of the year, and you can snag a good deal, Stuart said. Don’t book a cruise too close to Christmas, though, because fares will be higher.

Slide 11 of 31: Sure, you can book a specific cabin on your cruise, but you can save money by booking a category of cabin instead. The guarantee cabin, as it’s called, ensures you get a certain type of cabin — like one with a balcony — plus the possibility of an upgrade. Although you might get a room in a noisy part of the ship, you can save up to $1,000 per person, Chiron said.

Gamble on a Cruise Guarantee Cabin

Sure, you can book a specific cabin on your cruise, but you can save money by booking a category of cabin instead. The guarantee cabin, as it’s called, ensures you get a certain type of cabin — like one with a balcony — plus the possibility of an upgrade. Although you might get a room in a noisy part of the ship, you can save up to $1,000 per person, Chiron said.

Slide 12 of 31: If you travel solo, you might be paying more for your single cabin. That’s because cruise lines price cabins assuming double occupancy, Chiron said. So, look for cruises that offer cabins for singles and compare pricing. Make sure you don’t make these costly mistakes while traveling alone.

Don’t Assume Traveling Solo Costs Less

If you travel solo, you might be paying more for your single cabin. That’s because cruise lines price cabins assuming double occupancy, Chiron said. So, look for cruises that offer cabins for singles and compare pricing. Make sure you don’t make these costly mistakes while traveling alone.

Slide 13 of 31: “For travelers looking for a budget-friendly getaway, weekend cruises are a great way to get away without spending too much money,” McDaniel said. You can take a three- to four-day cruise to the Bahamas for a couple hundred dollars, which is cheaper than the cost of airfare and hotel, she said.

Take a Short Cruise

“For travelers looking for a budget-friendly getaway, weekend cruises are a great way to get away without spending too much money,” McDaniel said. You can take a three- to four-day cruise to the Bahamas for a couple hundred dollars, which is cheaper than the cost of airfare and hotel, she said.

Slide 14 of 31: If you want to save serious cash, avoid traveling on brand-new cruises, which cost more, McDaniel said. “Older ships are often a bit smaller than newer megaships and don’t generally have all of the bells and whistles of ships just hitting the market. But [they] still offer a fantastic vacation option at a lower price point,” she said.
 

Avoid Cruising on New Ships

If you want to save serious cash, avoid traveling on brand-new cruises, which cost more, McDaniel said. “Older ships are often a bit smaller than newer megaships and don’t generally have all of the bells and whistles of ships just hitting the market. But [they] still offer a fantastic vacation option at a lower price point,” she said.

Slide 16 of 31: A lot of vacationers choose cruises based on the fare alone, Stuart said. But don’t neglect looking at what’s included in the fare and what amenities the ship offers. Although meals are typically included in the base fare, alcoholic beverages, WiFi and shore excursions might not. If you have to pay extra to take advantage of most amenities on the ship, you might be better off booking a more expensive cruise that offers them free of charge. Check Out: The Best and Worst US Vacation Cities for Your Wallet

Don’t Assume the Cheapest Cruise Is the Best Deal

A lot of vacationers choose cruises based on the fare alone, Stuart said. But don’t neglect looking at what’s included in the fare and what amenities the ship offers.

Although meals are typically included in the base fare, alcoholic beverages, WiFi and shore excursions might not. If you have to pay extra to take advantage of most amenities on the ship, you might be better off booking a more expensive cruise that offers them free of charge.

Slide 17 of 31: Stuart said upscale cruise lines are liable to offer more perks on base fares. Yes, you’ll pay more for the luxuries, but don’t assume the cruise is more expensive than paying a la carte on other cruise lines. If you opt for a cheaper cruise but want to dine in specialty restaurants and visit the spa, expect your vacation costs to jump. In fact, adding these extras to your base fare could equal the cost of an all-inclusive luxury line, which can include shore excursions and transfers between the ship and airport.

Consider a Luxury Cruise Line

Stuart said upscale cruise lines are liable to offer more perks on base fares. Yes, you’ll pay more for the luxuries, but don’t assume the cruise is more expensive than paying a la carte on other cruise lines.

If you opt for a cheaper cruise but want to dine in specialty restaurants and visit the spa, expect your vacation costs to jump. In fact, adding these extras to your base fare could equal the cost of an all-inclusive luxury line, which can include shore excursions and transfers between the ship and airport.

Slide 18 of 31: Because ships can’t cruise year-round in destinations like Alaska, cruise lines move their fleets every so often. Take advantage by booking a repositioning cruise, where you can enjoy a 10- to 14-day cruise for the price of a seven-day cruise or less, Stuart said. Repositioning cruises don’t have a lot of port stops, so they’re only ideal for people who are most interested in the cruise itself, rather than tourist destinations. “If the idea of a cruise is relaxing days on the ocean, a repositioning cruise is the way to go,” Stuart said.

Take a Repositioning Cruise

Because ships can’t cruise year-round in destinations like Alaska, cruise lines move their fleets every so often. Take advantage by booking a repositioning cruise, where you can enjoy a 10- to 14-day cruise for the price of a seven-day cruise or less, Stuart said.

Repositioning cruises don’t have a lot of port stops, so they’re only ideal for people who are most interested in the cruise itself, rather than tourist destinations. “If the idea of a cruise is relaxing days on the ocean, a repositioning cruise is the way to go,” Stuart said.

Slide 19 of 31: Once you’re onboard, be careful not to rack up costs as you sip martinis by the pool. Any extras you pick up will be charged to the card you provide at the beginning of the trip, Stuart said. He said he knows people who have paid more to get off a ship than to get on. So, although there are quite a few cruise activities that are worth the money, you’re better off sticking to the basics. If you’re raring to hit the spa, go to one off the ship.

Minimize Spending Onboard

Once you’re onboard, be careful not to rack up costs as you sip martinis by the pool. Any extras you pick up will be charged to the card you provide at the beginning of the trip, Stuart said. He said he knows people who have paid more to get off a ship than to get on. So, although there are quite a few cruise activities that are worth the money, you’re better off sticking to the basics. If you’re raring to hit the spa, go to one off the ship.

Slide 20 of 31: If you want to enjoy onboard amenities, book them in advance so you can account for them in your vacation budget. “Book your alternative restaurants, shore excursions and anything else you know you want to experience prior to boarding,” McDaniel said. “That way, you won’t be caught off guard by added costs, and you can focus more on enjoying your trip, instead of keeping close tabs on your onboard spending account.”

Book Extras in Advance

If you want to enjoy onboard amenities, book them in advance so you can account for them in your vacation budget.

“Book your alternative restaurants, shore excursions and anything else you know you want to experience prior to boarding,” McDaniel said. “That way, you won’t be caught off guard by added costs, and you can focus more on enjoying your trip, instead of keeping close tabs on your onboard spending account.”

Searching for nature in the city of love? Here are the best gardens in Paris

Slide 1 of 9: The Tuileries Garden is located in one of the best neighbourhoods of Paris, the first arrondissement. It can be found between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. This park is truly fit for royalty as it dates back to 1564 when it was created to be the garden of the Tuileries Palace and then it became a public park after the French Revolution. The garden is complete with fountains, ponds and stunning flowers.

 

Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden is located in one of the best neighbourhoods of Paris, the first arrondissement. It can be found between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. This park is truly fit for royalty as it dates back to 1564 when it was created to be the garden of the Tuileries Palace and then it became a public park after the French Revolution. The garden is complete with fountains, ponds and stunning flowers.
Slide 2 of 9: In this natural space it is impossible to forget the city for too long, as the Eiffel Tower stands proudly in direct eyeline of visitors. Despite attracting thousands of visitors, the gardens here still remain very clean. At the Champ de Mars you can appreciate both great views and great architecture. During the 18th century, this park used to be a training ground for those studying in the Ecole Militaire.

Champ de Mars

In this natural space it is impossible to forget the city for too long, as the Eiffel Tower stands proudly in direct eyeline of visitors. Despite attracting thousands of visitors, the gardens here still remain very clean. At the Champ de Mars you can appreciate both great views and great architecture. During the 18th century, this park used to be a training ground for those studying in the Ecole Militaire.
Slide 3 of 9: This park may be not as busy as other parks in the city but it is just as beautiful. On a super sunny day the woods here can provide some much needed shade. Visitors of this park have described the flora as breathtaking thanks to its signature rose garden. The park is very well-maintained so make sure you have your cameras ready to capture the memory of this scenic landscape. Adding to its peaceful nature are the parks many birds which flock here during spring.

3/9 SLIDES © Dmitriy Moroz/123RF

Parc de Bagatelle

This park may be not as busy as other parks in the city but it is just as beautiful. On a super sunny day the woods here can provide some much needed shade. Visitors of this park have described the flora as breathtaking thanks to its signature rose garden. The park is very well-maintained so make sure you have your cameras ready to capture the memory of this scenic landscape. Adding to its peaceful nature are the parks many birds which flock here during spring.
Slide 4 of 9: This 17th century park can be found in the 6th arrondissement on the boarder between Saint-Germain-des Pres and the Latin Quater. The inspiration for this garden was taken from the Boboli Gardens in Florence. It covers a total of 25 hectares of land and is split into both French and English gardens. What seperates the gardens is a large pond and geometric forest. There is also an impressive total of 106 statues in this garden.

Jardin du Luxembourg

This 17th century park can be found in the 6th arrondissement on the boarder between Saint-Germain-des Pres and the Latin Quater. The inspiration for this garden was taken from the Boboli Gardens in Florence. It covers a total of 25 hectares of land and is split into both French and English gardens. What seperates the gardens is a large pond and geometric forest. There is also an impressive total of 106 statues in this garden.
Slide 5 of 9: This park is a little out the way as it is in a northeastern suburb, the 19th arrondissement. It is the fifth largest park in Paris and has numerous features which render it unique. These include a suspended bridge, caves and even a waterfall! This park also offers a vairety of high points, so you can appreciate panoramic views of Paris from all angles. A hint of exotic is added to the park's charm thanks to its indigenous trees and numerous birds.

Parc de Buttes Chaumont

This park is a little out the way as it is in a northeastern suburb, the 19th arrondissement. It is the fifth largest park in Paris and has numerous features which render it unique. These include a suspended bridge, caves and even a waterfall! This park also offers a vairety of high points, so you can appreciate panoramic views of Paris from all angles. A hint of exotic is added to the park’s charm thanks to its indigenous trees and numerous birds.
Slide 6 of 9: Thousands of men took part in creating the gardens at the Palais de Versailles and their efforts are certainly reflected in its extravagant appearance. After all, it did take 40 years for the gardens to be fully complete. As one of the largest gardens ever created, it is home to 372 statues and 55 fountains. From the start of April to the end of October there are even Musical Fountain shows adding entertainment to the grandeur. One of the gardens most striking features is its maze so be prepared to get your cameras ready!

Palais de Versailles Gardens

Thousands of men took part in creating the gardens at the Palais de Versailles and their efforts are certainly reflected in its extravagant appearance. After all, it did take 40 years for the gardens to be fully complete. As one of the largest gardens ever created, it is home to 372 statues and 55 fountains. From the start of April to the end of October there are even Musical Fountain shows adding entertainment to the grandeur. One of the gardens most striking features is its maze so be prepared to get your cameras ready!
Slide 7 of 9: Both a botantical garden and a public park, this is a huge natural space in the city located within the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It would take half a day for a visitor to fully explore and appreciate this beautiful place. The park provides a great vairety of flowers, butterfly house and even mini golf for entertainment. Compared to the other natural spaces in the city, this is quite an alternative and modern spot as it has only be open since 1969. Given this, it should be no suprise that it also plays host to free music festivals such as the Paris Jazz Festival.

Parc Floral de Paris

Both a botantical garden and a public park, this is a huge natural space in the city located within the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It would take half a day for a visitor to fully explore and appreciate this beautiful place. The park provides a great vairety of flowers, butterfly house and even mini golf for entertainment. Compared to the other natural spaces in the city, this is quite an alternative and modern spot as it has only be open since 1969. Given this, it should be no suprise that it also plays host to free music festivals such as the Paris Jazz Festival.
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