Vacation

So you’ve booked your cruise holiday – exciting, right? Your itinerary could be a tempting mix of cities, islands and beaches. Maybe even fjords and glaciers depending where in the world you are going. But it all begs the question: what on earth am I going to wear?!

Fabulous evening wear

Most cruise lines provide information for their guests about what to bring with them when it comes to clothes, so this is the first place to start before you start packing. You’ll probably find they’ll outline how many formal nights there are, and the type of thing you should bring.

Some of the more upscale liners will expect black tie attire for men and cocktail dresses for ladies. On these nights, be prepared to be dazzled by ladies in their finest gowns and men in smart tuxes. Depending on the length of your cruise, there might be just one formal night, or even three or four.

Sensible shoes

The chances are, you’ll be exploring some world-class cities as part of your cruise holiday. Don’t let a bad pair of shoes slow you down during your day in port. Make sure your footwear is up to the job, as you’ll want to cram in as much as possible. So comfy footwear is absolutely essential for days in port.

Lots of layers

Part of the joy of a cruise is the sheer variety, moving from one enticing destination to the next. But that doesn’t mean that the weather moves with you, which means you should plan for chillier times, just in case.

The best way to pack efficiently is to bring light layers, allowing you to slowly build them up on cooler days and evenings. When the sun comes out, you’ll also be appropriately dressed appropriately underneath. You may find that on a cruise to the Arctic or similarly cold places, special coats are provided for these extreme temperatures. Best check with your cruise liner before you buy expensive outerwear.

Swimwear

Maybe your cruise is taking you on a whistle-stop tour of the Caribbean? In which case, you’ll need to bring swimwear for lazy island days on some beautiful beaches, if you aren’t tempted by the shopping and scenery these islands offer.

Of course, it’s not just beach days you’ll need your swimmers for – cruise ships have fantastic swimming pools for your days at sea when you’re travelling between ports. And you might even be lucky enough to have a spa on-board, where your bathing suit will come in handy too.

These tips will help you pack the right gear for your cruise and, whatever the weather, enjoy the utmost comfort while you explore. Have a good trip!

Before you go on your next trip, think about consulting with a travel agency to make the most of your experience. Travel agents plan excursions for a living, so they are better equipped to find the best deals for your perfect vacation. Especially if you want to go on an extensive vacation with multiple individuals, a travel agency can help you make a workable itinerary and travel schedule, which will eliminate stress from your vacation time.

Why Should You Get an Agent?

Hiring a travel agency, comes with a myriad of benefits. First of all you save an abundant amount of time and money. If you were to plan a trip yourself, you would spend a large amount of time vetting hotels and flights as you try to find a balance between price and value. However, agents already know which hotels and airlines are best in a given area.

Plus with a travel agent, you get the added bonus of your agent’s connections and guidance. Many travelers often have a vague idea of what they want for their vacation. An agent can guide you towards fun outings and bustling nightlife. Additionally, agents have existing contacts that can lead to more exclusive packages or better prices. Overall, hiring an agent will ease the process of planning an extravagant vacation, so you can focus on having fun on your own or with your family.

Make a List of Your Needs

As you begin to search for agencies, make a list of all the agencies in your area and then make a list of what you need from your agent. If you have any agency recommendations from friends or family, start with these enterprises first. Vet the firm to ensure that it is properly licensed and has quality reviews. Use websites and customer testimonials to narrow your list of potential hires. If they don’t mention or cover a service you need on the company website, feel free to call the agency but be ready to move on.

Ask Good Questions

When you meet with an agent in person, he or she will begin the session with a series of questions. At this point, the professional wants to understand what you need, so he or she can better cater to you. However, before you walk into the agency, you should already have a list of questions ready. Be prepared to ask about things like special services, customer service hours, and agent fees.

Wait Before You Sign

Do not rush into signing up for a vacation or agreeing to work with a travel agent. Remember, just because you are in the office, doesn’t mean that you have made a commitment to work with that particular agent or agency. A vacation can be a costly commitment, so only make moves when you are ready to do so.

Finding a quality travel agent will require a bit of research on your part, but the pay-offs are worth it. You can truly relax during your vacation when you’ve had your days professional planned and brokered. Count on your local agent to get you the best deal available no matter where you want to go or what you want to do.