What to do — and not do — before and during your maiden voyage

1. Prebook activities before you leave home

If you’re determined to enjoy a particular shore excursion, spa service, class or specialty restaurant, book them in advance. “Reservations onboard book quickly — especially during high-traffic times like spring and summer breaks and the holiday season,” says Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of CruiseCritic.com. An added benefit: You can budget more accurately if you book early, as opposed to making spur-of-the-moment purchases onboard. Note that excursions can be expensive, says Deb Pfeifer, author of Cruising With Confidence: How to Be a First Time Cruiser Without Looking Like One, so make sure to check the price before reserving. “You can spend $29 for a tour of the city or $599 for a bear-watching trip,” she says.

2. Plan to arrive at your departure city a day or more before the cruise

Your ship may leave in late afternoon, but a delayed flight or heavy traffic is not a fun way to start your vacation. If you are late, the ship will leave without you.

3. Pack a carry-on bag

Typically, you’ll board the ship well before your luggage reaches your cabin, so pack any necessities — medication, important documents, phone chargers — in a carry-on bag. If you’ve got room, include items like bathing suits and sunscreen so you can immediately jump in the pool or soak in the sun without having to wait for your other bags.

4. Switch your cellphone to airplane mode

International roaming rates can cost hundreds of dollars, even if you don’t make a call, so switch to airplane mode or contact your cell carrier about travel-worthy phone plans. “Many a passenger has come home to an outrageous cellphone bill because they didn’t understand how it worked on a cruise ship,” Pfeifer says.

5. Don’t assume the cruise is all-inclusive.

Cruise fares typically cover the cabin, meals, onboard activities and entertainment. Expect to pay extra for drink packages, gratuities, internet, shore excursions, taxes and port charges. “All combined, that could add up to hundreds of dollars more than your base fare,” McDaniel says. “For cruisers who aren’t familiar with added fees, there’s often a bit of sticker shock when it’s time to settle the bill.” Her advice: Contact the cruise line before you set sail to better understand what’s included in your fare — and what’s not.

6. Pace yourself

Each day you’ll receive a copy of the ship’s newsletter with scheduled activities and events. The options can be overwhelming — movies, dance classes, arts and crafts, seminars, comedians, bands, shows — not to mention time for meals, swimming and sunbathing. Wondering how to fit it all in? You won’t, so mark your top choices. You don’t want to end your cruise feeling like you need a vacation.

7. Understand automatic gratuities

In the past, passengers placed cash tips in envelopes and delivered them to staff at the end of the trip. Today, most cruise lines use an automatic gratuity system. Gratuities are pooled and distributed among the housekeeping and dining crew, as well as to staff providing behind-the-scenes support. Bar and spa staff members rarely share in the automatic gratuities, so tips are added when you’re served. Whether you’re ordering a martini or enjoying a massage, expect an automatic 15 to 18 percent gratuity.

8. Watch the clock

Some ports are in different time zones than the ship’s clock, so make sure the times match. Passengers are usually required to be back on board 30 minutes before the ship’s departure. And the ship won’t wait if you’re late!

9. Don’t take food off the ship

If you’re planning a picnic lunch and using the ship’s food while you’re in port, forget it. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, nuts and seeds, and even baked goods aren’t allowed off the ship, Pfeifer says. “Certain ports have dogs checking every single backpack, bag and purse, just to be sure,” she says. Stick with prepackaged and sealed snacks, such as granola bars.

10. Relax and enjoy

Pfeifer’s motto? “A bad day on a cruise ship is better than a good day at work!”

Between accommodations, flights, and experiences, travel can get quite expensive. For those hoping to explore the world without breaking the bank, here are five travel hacks for a budget-friendly trip.

Tip #1: Plan Ahead

One of the most simple yet challenging aspects of budget travel is foresight. Start brainstorming a few months in advance. Consider what you are looking for in your next holiday, what time of year works best for you, and how far you are willing to travel. These considerations will guide your purchasing decisions, allowing you to be intentional and money-conscious in your planning process.

This will also give you time to explore your options without panic-booking the first thing you see (no judgment; we all do it). Booking sites reward those who book in advance with early-bird discounts, and you’ll almost always save on bus or train tickets.

Planning is also the best way to guarantee you’ll get tickets to that exclusive exhibit or a reservation at the hottest restaurant. Good things come to those who book early.

Tip #2: Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations

One of the most straightforward ways to save on your trip is to choose a budget-friendly destination. This does not mean you must sacrifice culture, nature, luxury, or other essential parts of your trip. Many of these budget-friendly options are incredible destinations with much to offer, but you just have to think outside the box.

From Colombia to Poland, check out our list of budget-friendly countries. You can experience luxury travel without the price tag with the exchange rate.

Tip #3: Track Flight Deals

Flight prices fluctuate as the departure date approaches, and it can be frustrating to follow along as the rates go up and down. While you can manually check flight deals using Google or gamble on hidden fares with services like Skyscanner, our favorite booking platform is Going.

This paid subscription service tracks flight deals and finds the best discounts on the internet. Their comprehensive breakdowns inform you about what is and is omitted, outlining everything you need to book your trip.

Tip #4: Stick to a Carry-On

Nowadays, checked luggage fees can be exorbitant and border on extortion. Save yourself the extra costs by keeping your things in a carry-on bag. While this may seem daunting for overpackers, we recommend compression packing cubes, mini toiletries, and versatile outfits and jewelry. You can usually sneak under the weight limit by wearing your largest clothing items and shoes on the plane.

Not only will this save you hundreds of dollars, but it will also save you the time and hassle of getting to the airport early and waiting around after your flight.

Tip #5: Eat, Move, and Live Like a Local

Moving through your destination like a local means you’ll be more immersed in everyday life and save yourself the tourist fees in the process. For example, try the traditional cuisines at locally-owned restaurants. You still have plenty of meals to try at the Michelin spots, but you can also cook breakfast or eat at casual, local spots. Many destinations like Tokyo, Istanbul, and Bangkok are also famous for their street food.

Taxis and Ubers will consume your budget, but public transportation is available in many destinations. Google Maps makes navigating foreign trams, buses and trains easy. Additionally, walking is free, and joy can be found in long strolls through new spots. Discover your favorite cafes or stores by moving slowly and enjoying where you are.

While travel is a time to indulge, you can still enjoy your holidays without breaking the budget.

While failing to leave a tip in some other countries (most notably the United States) can come across as rude and even offensive, that’s not the case in Spain. In fact, many Spanish service industry professionals are puzzled by the generous quantities of money American tourists tip them. While there are situations where tipping in Spain is welcome, in general, it’s a much less common practice than in other countries.
Why is tipping fairly uncommon in Spain? Because, while many service industry professionals earn lower wages and depend on tips for living in countries like the United States, their Spanish counterparts often earn comparatively higher salaries. At the end of the day, tips are little more than pocket change to many of these highly paid professionals. You might even see some restaurant servers tossing the tip their table left for them into the cash register—the extra coins will probably just take up space in their wallet. Here’s your short guide to tipping in Spain: who, where, and how much.

Bars and Cafes

In general, the more informal a place is, the less common tipping will be. When ordering a coffee or beer in Spain, virtually nobody will leave a tip—especially if that’s all you order. Some locals may simply leave the coins they’re given as change if they also order food, such as a pastry or a tapa, but many will pocket the change without a second thought.

Restaurants

Tipping is also not expected in the majority of sit-down restaurants. Just like at smaller establishments, many Spaniards—if anything—will just leave the change the wait staff returns to them after paying the bill.

For example, if the bill for your meal comes out to, say, €19 and you pay with a twenty, go ahead and leave that extra €1 as a tip—or don’t. It’s completely up to you, and waitstaff won’t feel offended if they see you pocketing your change.

When it comes to larger group meals at more elegant restaurants, tipping is more common. However, most Spaniards in this situation still only leave about five percent of the total bill as a tip—a fraction of the 20 percent expected in the United States.

Taxis and Cabs

Generally speaking, most cab drivers in Spain appreciate but do not expect tips.

If anything, many Spaniards will simply round up to the nearest euro and give the driver that amount. However, there are still plenty of people who pay their cab drivers the exact amount shown on the meter, which is perfectly acceptable as well.

Some Spaniards will tip their cab drivers more if they performed a special service, such as helping carry luggage from the cab itself into a hotel. Even in this case, though, the total tip never exceeds one euro.

Hotel Staff

Tipping hotel staff in Spain is more common than the other instances listed above. You’ll even see travelers from other parts of Spain leaving tips at hotels when visiting a new city.

• Porters: 1 euro per bag
• Housekeeping: Leave 2 to 3 euros per day, depending on the size of your room and mess level; leave this tip daily since the person cleaning your room may change every day.
• Concierge: 5-10 euros for exceptional service
• Room service: 1 or 2 euros to the person who delivers your meal
• Doorman: 1 or 2 euros if they help you with luggage or hail a cab

Spa and Resort Staff

As is the case with many of the above-listed service-industry professionals, spa staff are often highly trained and well-paid. Tipping is not expected, but you can leave around 10 percent of your total bill if you wish.

Tour Guides

Your tour guide is most likely a freelancer with a varying monthly income, so they will almost certainly welcome any tip you choose to leave them. As a general rule, the smaller your group is, the more you should tip.

For example, if you and your partner are taking a private guided tour and your guide provides excellent service, most people would tip them anywhere from 10 to 20 euros. If you’re taking one of the ubiquitous free tours that make their way through the streets of Spain’s largest cities every day, a 5 euro tip per person is fine.

As winter’s chill sets in, the world is bathed in a serene blanket of snow and transforms the landscape into a beautiful winter wonderland. However, this picturesque scenery comes with the challenge of driving in hazardous snow conditions. Driving in the snow can be challenging, even for the most seasoned drivers. It requires specific techniques and careful attention to ensure a safe journey for you and others. Whether you’re a seasoned winter driver or venturing into the snow for the first time, here are the essential tips to know to help you stay safe.

Check road conditions: Check for the latest updates on road conditions and take the safest route. Drive in daylight hours to see better while snow is less likely to be on the road.

Pack an emergency kit: Prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicle, including a flashlight, blankets, warm clothing, non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, and other things. Also, carry a fully charged mobile phone to call for assistance if stranded in the snow.

Check the weather forecast: Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions and snowfall predictions. The weather can be unpredictable sometimes; however, checking the latest forecast can go a long way in keeping you safe. Keep an eye on weather updates throughout your journey.

Vehicle maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Check the tyre, oil, headlights, rear lights, brakes and battery. Besides these, add antifreeze to prevent the car’s coolant from freezing.

Drive slow: When driving in snowy conditions, drive slower and smoother to maintain control. Leave a 4-second gap between your car and the vehicle in front and brake gently. Be cautious on bridges and shaded areas as they are more likely to be icy. Avoid sudden turns or braking, as this can lead to loss of control.

Lane driving is safe: When driving in snowy or icy conditions, stick to a single lane to ensure safety. Avoid sudden lane changes, as they can startle other drivers and lead to collisions. Refrain from aggressive acceleration to prevent unexpected accidents.

Inform others: Let someone know about your travel plans, including your route and expected return time. Stay informed about the route you will be taking and any potential hazards.

Avoid unnecessary travel: To stay safe while driving in snow, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions. Postpone your trip if possible, prioritising your safety and the safety of others on the road. Check weather forecasts before heading out to plan accordingly.