Cruising

When I sit down to plan my next vacation, I always remind myself that the excitement of traveling begins long before boarding the plane or stepping on a cruise ship. The real magic starts in the planning stage. Over the years as a travel advisor, I’ve learned that asking the right questions before booking saves money, reduces stress, and ensures a much smoother experience. If you’re dreaming about your next adventure, here are 10 questions you should ask before booking your trip—the same ones I ask myself and my clients.

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As a travel advisor, one of the most common questions I get when helping clients plan their cruise is: “Is the food good on board the ship?” I wish the answer were simple. But the truth is—it’s complicated.

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If you’ve ever scrambled to remove your shoes, belt, and jacket at airport security, this news is going to make your travel day easier. Starting October 1, 2025, the TSA is expanding its streamlined screening process to allow more passengers to keep their shoes on at security checkpoints. Here’s everything you need to know about this new TSA rule, who qualifies, and how you can benefit from it.

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“Having a trip booked encourages you to work. So traveling is actually a source of income rather than an expense.” Now that’s the kind of math I like. Motivational? Definitely. Scientifically accurate? Well… maybe I’m right or maybe I’m wrong—but let’s go with it.

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As a travel advisor, I’ve learned that while we often plan for the fun parts of travel—flights, hotels, excursions—it’s just as important to prepare for the unexpected. That’s why I always encourage my clients (and follow this advice myself) to create a crisis plan before any trip. Having a plan in place isn’t about being pessimistic—it’s about being smart, prepared, and confident when you explore the world.

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When planning an international trip, there’s always excitement about the adventures ahead. But there’s one important step I always recommend before boarding that plane — registering with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

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If you're like me, you've probably packed for a cruise and wondered: Can I bring a power strip? Between phones, tablets, smartwatches, e-readers, portable chargers, and camera batteries — today's cruise travelers are more plugged in than ever. But cruise lines have strict policies about what can and can't be brought onboard when it comes to electrical accessories. Here’s everything you need to know about charging devices in your cruise stateroom.

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As a travel advisor, I’ve seen countless travelers come home from a dream cruise—only to be hit with a nightmare phone bill. If you’re planning your next cruise vacation, do yourself a huge favor: turn off cellular data roaming the moment you step onboard.

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As someone who cruises often and helps others plan their cruise vacations, I get this question all the time: “How much foreign currency should I bring on my cruise?” Even though most ports are card-friendly these days, I always recommend carrying at least a little local cash. From grabbing a gelato in Italy to tipping a tour guide in the Caribbean, having the right currency on hand can make your day ashore easier—and more enjoyable.

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When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your cruise cabin. While it’s tempting to grab the lowest fare with a guarantee cabin rate, I’ve learned from experience that this deal can come with some serious drawbacks. Let me explain why I never book a guarantee cabin—and why you should be strategic when choosing your cabin location.

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Wondering if cruise excursions are worth it? Learn when to book guided tours and when to explore ports on your own. Travel tips from a Cruise Planners advisor.

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If you’ve been planning a trip to Europe, you may have heard about ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)—the new electronic travel permit for visitors from visa-exempt countries. Originally set to launch in 2024, ETIAS has now been delayed until mid-2026 due to technical challenges.

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Seeing the northern lights has been on my bucket list for years. There’s something truly magical about watching the sky come alive with vibrant greens, purples, and blues, shimmering over the Arctic waters. While there are many ways to experience this natural wonder, an ocean cruise offers a unique, stress-free, and immersive way to witness the aurora borealis.

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Looking for off-the-beaten-path European destinations that you can explore by cruise in 2025? Many of Europe’s most breathtaking and less-visited locations can be accessed by luxury ocean cruises, expedition voyages, and river cruises. Whether you’re looking for adventure travel in Europe, sustainable destinations, or a budget-friendly European cruise, these hidden gems offer incredible history, culture, and scenery—without the overwhelming crowds.

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Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel, offering incredible destinations, luxurious amenities, and endless ocean views. But if you’re worried about how to prevent seasickness on a cruise, don’t let that stop you from setting sail! I’ve perfected my approach to avoiding motion sickness on a cruise, and I’m here to share my best seasickness prevention tips so you can enjoy every moment at sea without discomfort.

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