16 Unexpected Things I Never Board a Cruise Ship Without
From wildlife viewing and keeping your cabin organized to getting an excellent night's sleep and avoiding seasickness, these must-pack products will ensure smooth sailing on your next vacation. The post 16 Unexpected Things I Never Board a Cruise Ship Without appeared first on Reader's Digest. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve taken plenty of cruises—16 to be exact, on more than half-a-dozen different cruise lines. (Want to become a frequent cruiser too? Follow these secrets to save up to 40% on every booking.) Early on, I would spend days leading up to each trip frantically trying to decide what to pack for a cruise to ensure the best experience for myself and my guest. On many of those sailings, I felt some regret about what I failed to bring and was even annoyed by some things I packed that I didn’t actually need. With each cruise, I kept incrementally improving the contents of my suitcase, weeding out items that were a waste of space and making room for my non-negotiables. Now I’m proud to say that through plenty of trial and error, I have finally perfected my cruise packing game—in fact, I’ve just returned from an Alaskan cruise on the Majestic Princess and it was a perfect pack if I do say so myself. I’ve finally managed to hone in on every amenity needed to make travel a breeze, enhance cabin organization, bring me the ultimate relaxation and ensure I’m prepared for life at sea. I have two more cruises coming up this year, and each of these items will tour Europe on Holland America Line and the Middle East on Windstar Cruises with me.
2022-07-22T16:20:32Z
The Best Small Town to Visit in Every State for a Charming Weekend
Bookmark these quaint destinations for your next trip! America might be best known for its major cities, but there's more to this beautiful, sprawling country than New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Those bustling metropolises are wonderful places to live and visit, but you need to know about the prettiest towns in America that are equally worth seeing. Whether you're seeking lush scenic landscapes, exquisite fine dining, or intriguing cultural attractions, the attributes of a great destination aren't limited to the most popular or densely populated areas. In fact, there are countless hidden gems throughout the United States, and we've found them. From sea to shining sea, we've rounded up some of the best small towns in every state. With populations averaging 5,000 people or less, these communities offer unforgettable experiences to suit every taste, from adventurous outdoor excursions like whitewater rafting to premier antique shopping. No matter if you're planning a fun-filled family vacation, a much-needed girlfriend getaway, or a romantic couple's trip, there's something for everyone on this comprehensive list. Add these small towns to your travel plans, and start dreaming up your next off-the-beaten path trip today.
2023-02-05T01:28:10Z
The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure
Whether you're looking for nonstop activity or total relaxation. While traveling with friends and family can be a lot of fun, going somewhere alone has its perks. You get to choose everything — the destination, the hotel, the itinerary, the restaurants, how much money you spend and beyond. Only one opinion matters...yours. It's also a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people (if you so choose), unplug, rejuvenate and bask in moments of reflection — or even just escape reality for a few days. Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list. The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S. Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.
2023-04-21T22:03:00Z