10 questions to ask for the perfect cruise

Picking the perfect cruise can be daunting, with so many variables to choose from. Here are 10 things to consider when booking the right cruise for you

Kauai is close to real paradise found during a Hawaii vacation

Only 90 miles from Oahu is a Hawaiian island that many have likened to a true paradise - Kauai, the state's oldest isle and most lush island, has long waterfalls and valleys deeply embedded in its mountainsides.

Totally 80s and lovin’ it!

From Jordache jeans to stand-up collar polo’s that was me.  So to celebrate MTV’s 30^th birthday and a total homage to the 80s, I present to you the top 5 most memorable or influential things in my life.

Traveling with a Smartphone: Cut Costs Overseas

On a recent trip to the U.K., I turned on my smartphone shortly after clearing customs. Almost as soon as the phone booted up, a text popped up on the screen:

International data rate of $19.97/MB applies. Unlimited domestic data rate plan does NOT apply in this location. Details: att.com/global. AT&T Free Msg

UPDATED: Rainy Day Blog

I find myself lying in bed thinking of all the places I want to see.  Sure, I could save for years and MAYBE someday take that World Cruise of 100+ days.  But I would rather see the world now and if that means seeing it in small doses, then small doses it is. 

Experience Azamara Club Cruises

Recently I had a chance to tour an Azamara Club Cruises ship - the Azamara Journey.  What an incredible opportunity!  I wanted to take a few minutes to give you some information on this Deluxe Cruise Line.

CRUISE PLANNERS ANNOUNCES 2011 CP CARES INITIATIVE

Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, today announced it will be partnering with the Wyland Foundation for its 2011 CP Cares initiative, a program created to support charitable organizations in the U.S. and around the world.

Do I Need Travel Health Insurance?

Additional coverage, especially for international trips, is recommended.

Tools to help you in your travels

Here are a couple of APPS I’ve come across.  Good tools to have for traveling:

Israel: Beautiful, Special and Amazing

What were you most surprised about when visiting Israel?

I was especially surprised by how comfortable and welcome I felt almost immediately. Many people have preconceived ideas about Israel but I think everyone will be surprised by how much MORE there is to Israel than just the religious and historical parts of the country.

New Ship News!

Cruise and Vacation Paradise (a Cruise Planners franchise) keeps you up-to-date with news on exciting and new cruise ships...

Hotel Scams

With cheap fares you get cheap service – or in other words…”you get what you pay for.”

iPhone's mTrip app uses augmented reality

The new iPhone application, mTrip, is a travel guide and then some: It uses the latest in smartphone technology to make it easier to stay on track in a foreign locale.

WARNING: Have You Received YOUR Vacation Club Cruise Certificates?

I just received a mailer addressed to me and where the return address is, is printed:

“Carnival Ticket vouchers enclosed.” On the opposite side of the mailer, is a picture of the Carnival  Conquest, and line, “Important Information Enclosed.”

Allure of the Seas to feature churrascaria

The Solarium Bistro, housed in the adults-only Solarium, will become the Samba Grill at night, a change from the Allure’s sister ship, Oasis of the Seas.