10 Eco-Travel Tips for Earth Day—and Every Day!

Happy Earth Day Everyone! In honor of today, here is a list of some of the best Eco-travel friendly Travel Tips you can do, to help save the planet and your wallet!

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1  Make every trip count. The environmental key to travel is not how you go, but how much you go and how far you go; trains aren’t necessarily greener than planes. People are packed as tightly as possible in a plane, but on a train there’s a lot of space, Trains work in Europe because it’s compact.

2  Try to fly nonstop. Generally speaking, flights with more stops will require more emission intensive takeoffs and landings.

3  Consider taking a group trip, traveling as a group usually means a smaller carbon footprint.

Choose destinations where you can walk, bicycle or take public transit. And when it comes to the environmental impact of driving, miles are more important than miles per gallon.

4  Chose an eco-friendly hotel, B&B or vacation rental. Look for hotels and inns with a commitment to being green, though be careful of green washing. Most truly green hotels will be proud to talk about everything they are doing for the environment.

5  Conserve light and energy along with reusing sheets and towels. Air conditioning, heating and lighting use a lot more energy than washing towels.

6  Don’t waste water by dawdling in the shower or running the water while brushing your teeth. Talk to the maid or leave a note to ensure that housekeeping is letting you reuse sheets and towels.

7  Refuse bottled water, unless you are staying somewhere that may have unsafe tap water.

8  Go local, eat what the locals eat and encourage the local economy by hiring local guides. Be less demanding of having a Western-style meal where they would have to truck things in from a far distance.

9  If you’re not in a group and don’t need a car daily, look for car-sharing options at your destination.

10  Make every trip count. Planes are not always greener than trains. People are packed as tightly as possible in a plane, but on a train there’s a lot of space, Trains work in Europe because it’s compact.

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Best Time of year To Visit New Zealand

Thinking of going to New Zealand for an adventure vacation? Well, the next decision you’ll need to make is when to come. New Zealand is a mountainous island nation sitting isolated in the Southwest Pacific, and so the weather tends to be pretty unpredictable. That said, it means that you can come at any time of year and still get glorious days! Here at the bottom of the world (or top, depending on how you look at it!) the seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere’s and most people who visit New Zealand choose to come during our summer season, which is December through February. In terms of weather and the seasons, here’s what New Zealand looks like, in a nutshell!

Summer – Warm and bustling

New Zealand truly does come into its own in the summer, as an outdoor lover’s paradise. Particularly between the months of December to February you’ll see people at the beach, hiking in the forest or biking on our cycling trails. It’s a popular time of year for getting outdoors in nature, and experiencing life at a slower pace.

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December – The start of summer, warm weather and a buzz in the air leading up to the holidays. The days are reaching their longest hours, making for plenty of time to go adventuring. Always a fantastic month to be in New Zealand.

January – Warmest month, heaps going on and the festive spirit carries on from Christmas! There are lots of summer events at this time of year, with races of all shapes and sizes most weekends, as well as festivals and concerts.

February – Mid-summer and another fabulous and very popular month to be in New Zealand. Races and triathlons are held throughout the country each weekend, to take part in or just watch! Slap on the sunscreen and wear a hat.

Autumn/Fall – Perfect for Hiking

If you want to escape the busiest season on the trails, then fall months are great for hiking. It’s a little cooler, a little quieter, but so beautiful as the leaves on the trees change color and the first dustings of snow arrive on the hills. As long as you’ve got a few layers of clothing, you’re in for a treat because you will have most of the hiking trails to yourself.

March – Late-summer, warm days, summer breezes and moderate daylight hours to make the most of being outdoors. It’s still common to get a few hot days in March, so covering up from the sun is still important!

April – Start of Fall/Autumn – stunning colors as the leaves change color on the trees. Crisp, clear days and there may be a bite in the air some days so you’ll need an extra layer or two, but all in all it’s a beautiful month and a great time to be here.

May – Early-winter, temperature dropping, but still some beautiful days.

Winter

Some people don’t realize how awesome New Zealand is in the winter! Take a tip and follow all the Australian visitors who head across the Tasman to make the most of the winter slopes. If you’re not a skier, then it’s an amazing time to go hiking in New Zealand – the trails are quiet and the mountains all around are snow-capped. There’s even a few hot pools that you can trek to amongst the mountains. There are a number of ski areas throughout the country, but being based in Queenstown we spend most of our time at Cardrona, Treble Cone, the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Ohau and Mount Hutt.

June – Officially the start of winter and the beginning of the wait for the first snow and the ski fields to open. It’s also time for Queenstown Winter Festival, a great event held annually with plenty of activities for the whole family.

July – Winter – ski fields open and it’s all go on the mountain! Powder days and being first on the slope for the early morning runs are what it’s all about. At the same time, the hiking trails are even more peaceful and serene than normal, so it’s an amazing time of year to hike the backcountry valley trails.

August – Winter still and probably one of the best months for snow sports.

Spring

As the clocks spring forward, the sun warms up and the days are longer. We all love when the springtime sun makes an appearance. With lambs bouncing around the fields, daffodils and fruit trees blooming and the longer daylight hours, there’s a definite shift in mood. Spring is an excellent time to visit New Zealand and while November tends to be fairly quiet on the tourist front, it’s certainly not a bad time to be here. Being an adventure tour company, our season really cranks up in early November, so our guides are fresh and excited to be back on the road.
September – Late-winter, snow sports usually still going strong, with the first blossoms starting to appear.

October – A change is in the air as spring comes around! There are warmer days and longer daylight hours, and everyone shakes off the winter cold.

November – Mid-spring, beautiful days, a little bit windy on occasion, but not too many tourists around.

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Top Reasons Why All-Inclusive Resorts are the Most Cost-Efficient Way to Travel

When planning your perfect vacation, costs often seem to add up quickly. At first, you’re thinking that all you need to budget for are the flights, accommodations and any necessary transportation while you’re there. Then you start booking excursions and activities, and you have to consider food. And it’s not just meals at restaurants, but also snacks while you are on the go, bottles of water in between activities and necessary tropical drinks. Before you know it, your vacation has become a more significant financial investment than you initially planned for.

Instead of hassling thru all of the planning, opt for a cost efficient vacation at an all-inclusive resort. There are beautiful resorts throughout the Caribbean, and beyond that allow you to enjoy a first-class vacation at a budget price.

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You can often book these vacations as part of an affordable package. These packages may include flights, ground transportation, and some packages even include additional luxury items, such as an excursion at the resort or a day-trip to a popular tourist attraction in the area. When you book a vacation package, you can easily budget for your vacation and enjoy the fact that no hidden costs will pop up while you’re away.

You save a significant amount of money on food and drinks. When you’re on vacation, you really deserve to lay back, enjoy yourself (and not bring your wallet everywhere!) At an all-inclusive resort, your food and drinks are almost always included in the booking price. You can stop by the snack bar whenever you want throughout the day, grab that poolside margarita at happy hour or order anything on the dinner menu without being handed a bill from the wait staff.

Everything you need or want to do is right on property. All-inclusive resorts are created to be playgrounds for adults and kids alike. You’ll find beautiful pools, perfect beaches and recreation centers that are perfect for exercise. Spa treatments and some excursions, such as scuba diving, parasailing or kayaking, usually come with an additional fee. Ask a Travel Team Agent about resort credits which many all-inclusive offer along with your stay, as they can help cover some of the extra cost.

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Ready to relax for a week while listening to the turquoise blue waves crash on the white sand beaches of the Caribbean? Booking a vacation to paradise has never been more affordable and easy. We take care of all of the planning involved, So, what’s the perfect way to get started? You can start by calling Tracy at 1-800-788-0829 ext. 225

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Why Choose Cook Islands for Your Destination Wedding

With its close proximity, easy and cheap flights from our east coast, stunning beaches and warm, friendly locals, it’s no wonder Australian couples have adopted the Cook Islands as a favorite wedding destination. Are you thinking of tying the knot in this incredible location? Here are all the basics you need to know.

Why should I choose Cook Islands for my wedding? 
Described as a beach lover’s paradise, the 15 islands are scattered across millions of square kilometers of crystal-clear ocean – halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. Barefoot beach ceremony or church wedding in one of the island’s historic limestone churches, rest easy that this backdrop will not disappoint. Sport Illustrated chose this destination for their recent photo shoot, so to say this destination is a photographer’s dream is probably an understatement.

Rarotonga is the main island and where the international airport is located. It has a plethora of stunning beach resorts, art galleries, markets, and is a great place to lap up the local culture. Aitutaki is about the most peaceful spot you could hope to find to don a snorkeling mask. These two islands are the most popular for travelers and weddings.

How can I adopt the Cook Islands’ culture in my ceremony? 
Cook Islanders are natural-born performers, so traditional song and dance will add an island touch to your ceremony. Traditionally, a groom wears a tropical floral nek ei around his neck, and the bride a head ei (crown).

Who can help me organize my day?

Travel Team has a dedicated destination wedding specialist that is here to help you plan your wedding and honeymoon. We have insights into the latest deals, the best resorts for what you need, and can put together a fabulous wedding package for you, so you can focus on other things. Check out our Destination Wedding page or contact Tracy at 1-800-7880-0829 ext. 225 for more information.

Making it legal

You will need to submit an application for a marriage license in person to the Registrar of Marriages in Cook Islands at least three working days before the marriage. You’ll need original birth certificates and passports to submit your application. If you wish to have a Catholic ceremony, you need to provide baptism certificates and proof you’ve completed marriage preparation classes.

The Cook Islands are a fantastic destination for weddings, honeymoons, and family vacations! The experienced Travel Team agents will make sure you have the dream wedding of a lifetime.

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How to choose a European River Cruise

Finding the right cruise for you ultimately depends on where you want to go.  The river networks in Europe are so expansive that you’d be surprised where it can take you. Here are some popular routes for River Cruises sailing in Europe.

Rhine and the Danube

These are the two most popular rivers for cruising. The Rhine flows from Switzerland to Amsterdam in the North, passing through numerous towns and cities in France and Germany.  The Danube flows from the Black Sea in Romania to the Black Forest in Germany and what makes this river different is that passes through mostly Eastern European countries like Austria, Croatia and Slovakia. Both rivers provide dramatic scenery along the way and is steeped in history.

The Seine and The Rhone

If you’re up for exploring France, both the Seine and the Rhone provide amazing opportunities to cruise through Normandy or down south and the Provencal region.

Other Rivers

Other rivers to consider are the Moselle that runs through a bit of France, Belgium and France. Russia is another country that has river cruising opportunities with the Svir and Volga which has voyages that sail between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Best Time To Go

The river cruising season typically runs between April to October when the weather is good.  April is not always the best time to go because spring flooding can make certain areas impassable.  If for any reason extreme weather occurs during the cruise, operators are well equipped to handle these situations and will put passengers on busses if necessary.

Booking a River Cruise

Once you’ve decided on going on a River Cruise and where you want to go, when you want to go, and with what company the next step is to make a booking.  The best way is to book directly with a Travel Team Agent, we can book you on the route that you’re interested in and get you the lowest rates; it is also less hassle to book with a Travel Team Agent than if you do it alone.

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Europe’s Christmas Markets: How to Plan the Perfect Trip

When you’re looking for festive Old World holiday charm, you can’t beat Central Europe. Cities and villages decorate and light up their medieval town squares until they look like something out of a fairytale. Stalls sell unique handmade gifts and delicious regional specialties to eat. Christmas Markets are great for holiday shopping too: Most of the merchandise is affordable handicrafts that you can’t find in the U.S. or in any catalog.

1. Hit a mix of big cities and small towns—and more than one country.

It’s surprising how different the markets are in different cities—and how different the handicrafts and foods are. You might see something for sale and think, “I can get that at the next place,” but there are many unique items you won’t find again. The markets vary most by country, which is why country-hopping makes the experience even more interesting.

2. Time your trip right.

Each market has different start and end dates. In Central Europe many start in late November and last till December 24, with a few even lasting into the first days of January. Your itinerary will likely be dictated by the dates of the Christmas markets in the cities that most interest you. You’ll find those dates on each country’s or city’s tourism information website.

3. Focus your Christmas-market visits on weekdays.

Factor into your itinerary that the markets are best visited on weekdays rather than weekends, when they can be extremely crowded. Morning is the best time for actual shopping (that’s when crowds are lightest), whereas the best time for photos is at about 4:30 p.m. (the sky turns from overcast to blue at dusk), and the concerts tend to happen in the evenings. Beware Friday and Saturday nights at the markets in big cities.

4. Don’t rent a car.

Driving between cities with Christmas markets is a logistical pain. Snow conditions can make it difficult, you can’t drive close to the markets because they’re usually in pedestrian-only areas in the old city, and parking is really hard to find. Getting around by train or river-cruise ship is much easier. Train stations are usually within easy walking distance of the old city (where the market is). A river cruise is easy in that you don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting between cities.

5. Forget restaurant reservations.

You’ll be snacking your way through Europe—it’s impossible to resist trying the many intriguing local specialties—and there won’t be space left in your belly for a sit-down meal. Much of the food at Christmas markets you can’t find in restaurants anyways.  And if you don’t speaks the local language you can point to the food you want at each stand.

6. Consider going over Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving is low season in Christmas-market cities (it’s not a holiday that’s celebrated in Europe), and some of the markets kick off the weekend before Thanksgiving.

7. Suss out low-season offers.

Many hotels run free-night or deep-discount promotions throughout the period of the holiday markets (with the exception of New Year’s Eve, which is generally expensive). When you book with a Travel Team Agent, we have access to special reduced rates that include tax, breakfast, and various benefits (e.g., free upgrades based on availability).

The Travel Team offers a wide variety of River Cruises & holiday packages to suit your needs. Right now is the perfect time to start planning your next Holiday River Cruise to Europe!

You can view all of our specials & River Cruise packages by visiting our website, or by calling a Travel Team Agent for details at 1-800-788-0829!

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Common Myths About Escorted Tours

Myth #1: Escorted Tours are Expensive

Tour companies are often able to negotiate special rates and contracts with suppliers, and their industry experience means that escorted tours are designed to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While looking at the price of an escorted tour, it may look higher than other trips, but in reality it is a perfectly pre-packaged vacation designed to take the planning piece out so all you have to do is show up.

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Myth #2: You’ll have no time to explore on your own

Leisure time is built into each city stay on most tours. Escorted tours have long itineraries filled with action-packed days, but really, you can do as much or as little as you’d like; take advantage of your tour guide’s expert local knowledge to make the most of your free time.

Myth #3: You’re stuck on a cramped bus all day

Escorted tours use a variety of transportation in-destination, including luxury motor coaches, trains, ferries and flights. Your transportation time is minimal compared to the amazing sights and activities you will see.

Myth #4: Tours are only for retirees

Travelers range in age, from children to adults from 18 to 80, and everywhere in between. Chances are you will have a melting pot of people all different ages and from all walks of life. One of the best parts of an escorted tour is having the chance to get to know so many different people who share the same curiosity.

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5 Essential Things to Pack for Every Type of Vacation

People often either pack too many things or don’t pack the right items for their trip. There is nothing worse than forgetting something for your trip. Depending on where you are going and what you are going to do, there are some essential things you need to pack. Here is a list of things you will need..

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5 Things You Won’t Want to Forget for a Europe Cruise 

1. Closed-toed, comfortable shoes: Your feet will thank you as you tour ruins and brave uneven cobblestone roads.

2. A scarf:There are so many reasons to bring one that you may even want to bring a few: Cruise ships can get quite cold at night, scarves are an easy way to punch up mix-and-match clothing, dip it in the fountain in the heat for instant-cooling and they’re perfect for religious sites that may require you to cover up. Be aware of clothing restrictions in churches and other religious sites — a scarf will help in a pinch.

3. Night light:Even if you’ve upgraded yourself to the biggest cabin, the rooms are notoriously dark at night.

4. Ducttape: It might sound silly, but this multi-use item can save the day when you have broken shoes, lint on your last clean sweater a squeaky luggage wheel and more.

5. Euros: Itineraries often have limited time in the ports, so maximize your time by getting Euros in advance instead of tracking down an ATM.

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5 Things You Won’t Want to Forget for a Safari Vacation

1. Flashlight:For when things go bump in the night or you need to make your way between tents.

2. Binoculars:Great binoculars can make your trip when it comes to wildlife sightings.

3. A waterproof, light-colored camera bag:If you’re using a “real” camera (hint: not your smartphone), you’ll want to protect it with a waterproof camera bag. We recommend one that is a lighter color, as black bags will soak in much more heat.

4. Safari-appropriate clothing:That means shoes to change into at the end of the day, color-appropriate clothing (white will stand out too much to animals) made from moisture-wicking fabrics and a hat that ties under the chin so it won’t blow off. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, sneakers and flip-flops for the end of the day. Don’t forget a swimsuit and hat.
5. Health preparations:Talk to your doctor prior to the trip about medications you may want to bring along as a preventative measure. Don’t forget the insect repellant, and talk to your safari provider about whether mosquito netting is provided.

5 Things You Won’t Want to Forget for a Beach Vacation

1. Dry clothes:Bring dry clothes and a Ziploc bag to store the wet ones in your day bag. A second swimsuit comes in handy for day two in case your first doesn’t quite dry.

2. Books or magazines:E readers and kindles are great but you will have to deal with low battery and sand incidents. Bring a good old fashioned book so you won’t have to worry about any of the above.

3. Lots of drinking water:Staying hydrated is key. Sipping a cocktail on the beach is part of the vacation; just make sure you follow every cocktail with a glass of water.

4. A large blanket:You’ll want more surface area than just your towel to spread out and keep the wet sand at bay.

5. A jug of water:Keep this in your car to help rid yourself of pesky sand before you head back to the hotel. Baby powder works well too.

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5 Things You Won’t Want to Forget for an Overseas Escorted Vacation

1. Lightweight suitcase:You’ll be glad you choose a suitcase you can lift when it comes to bumpy cobblestone roads and unavoidable stairs.

2. A cross body purse or bag:Keep your belongings safe from pickpockets and your hands free.

3. Travel-friendly clothes:Skip shorts (they’ll know you’re an American from miles away) and opt for fabrics that dry quickly and don’t wrinkle. Color-coordinated clothes are also ideal for easy mixing and matching. Nothing will make you stand out more than sandals and socks, or white tennis shoes, in Europe, go for loafers or a simple pair of black shoes that are comfortable for walking and go with any outfit. Be aware of clothing restrictions in churches and other religious sites.
4. Notebook and pen: They’ve always come in handy for us for communication, notes on sights to see, directions, travel memories … you name it.

5. Adapter plugs:Most newer electronics are dual-voltage and work on U.S. and European currents, so you no longer need a converter. But you will likely need an adapter so your gadgets fit into European outlets. Bring both converters and adapters for places like Asia and Australia.

5 Things You Won’t Want to Forget for an International Flight

1. Passport and pen:Most international destinations will require you to fill out immigration and customs forms en route, requiring your passport number and something to fill out said form with.

2. Any necessary medication and toiletries:Delays are inevitable during air travel, but with international flights, it can be a long time before you are reunited with the luggage you’ve checked. Make sure you keep your daily medications with you so you don’t miss a dose. No matter how long the flight, you’ll feel fresher with access to basic toiletries like your toothbrush and paste, facial cleanser, baby wipes, deodorant, dry shampoo and more.

3. Water bottle:Dehydration is expected on long flights; make sure you always have enough water on hand by packing an empty water bottle from home and filling it up once you’ve passed through security.

4. Change of clothes, extra socks and bathing suit:Bags get lost, things spill during flight. You’ll be happy to have an extra set of clothes in either event. Going to a beachy spot? Bring your bathing suit onboard as well, you wouldn’t want to miss any time in the sun because you’re separated from your checked bags.

5. Snacks:It can be hard to get healthy snacks onboard, especially at times when you’re most hungry.

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8 Must Have Experiences in Sydney Australia

Not only is Sydney a beautiful destination to visit, but there is so much to see and do that we thought we’d share some Sydney’s highlights you can’t miss:

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1   Sydney Opera House

As iconic as Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower, the Opera House is a must-see! You can opt for a tour to get an inside look into the building, which will give you a whole new appreciation and perspective on just how much work it took to create this architectural masterpiece.

2   Visit Manly Beach

The most visually stunning beach near Sydney, and quite possibly in the world. You can access this beach by ferry from Circular Quay (the district right on the water which includes the Opera House). There is something here for everyone, whether you’re looking for a good surf or snorkel session or just looking to relax and sunbathe on the beach.

3  Climb Sydney Harbor Bridge

An adventure that is worth it for the views. With a group of other travelers and a professional guide, you’ll learn a ton about the city’s history as well as the story behind the building of this iconic bridge.

4  Explore the Rocks District

Has an historic, older vibe compared to the modern feel of the rest of the city. Hidden alleyways lead to fantastic markets and colonial buildings and is a must visit while checking out the Opera House.

5  The Bondi to Coogee Walk

Make sure to bring your camera because this cliff-top coastal walk offers incredible views of the local beaches, cliffs and parks and has plenty of opportunities for swimming and surfing.

6  Enjoy the Blue Mountains

Accessible by car or train, make sure to visit the local town of Katoomba and take the world’s steepest railcar. Don’t miss the Three Sisters Lookout, which gives you a perfect scenic view of the mountains and plenty of photo opportunities.

7  Taronga Zoo

Again grabbing a spot on another “best of” list, this world-famous zoo is known as one of the best. It has something to offer for everyone and as a bonus, has incredible views of the downtown Sydney.

8  Attend an Australian Rugby Match

Go see The Wallabies play! Australians are very proud of their rugby and take it very seriously. Se for yourself what the hype’s about. (it is the equivalent of Americans and football)

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5 Tahiti Travel Tips You Need to Know

Hungry? Find a Food Truck
It’s an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti, and you land pretty late in the evening. As tempting as it is to eat a convenient dinner at a hotel or chain restaurant, don’t. Instead, go into the city of Papeete, near the bay, where you can smell the food being served from food trucks, called “roulettes,” along the streets. Eat fresh fish, rice and vegetables under the stars with local families. Not only are the meals cheaper from the backs of the trucks, but they’re more authentic and simply better.

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Start Early
The stores usually close early in the evening, and they sell delicious fresh bread which often sells out by midmorning the next day. Stocking up is one good reason to get up early. Another good reason is the local scene at Papenoo Beach. It isn’t what you might expect. The shoreline is predominantly pebbly and rocky. Instead of tourists you’ll find local Tahitians surfing, kayaking and swimming shortly after sunrise. Get to know them and you’ll wind up with a board or paddle. Probably a cold Hinano and a sandwich too. Later, go to the food stalls at Papeete Market and eat rice and salmon while standing with new friends.

Always Wear Your Swimsuit
Life in Tahiti is all about the water, so you’d better drive the loop around the main island while wearing your swimsuit and flip-flops. Soak in the views, and stop to swim, and then continue to the airport — Put your bags down and step off your porch into the ocean water you’ve seen in classic Tahiti paintings.

Rent a Boat
Rent a little outboard-powered boat (you can even have your lunch packed for the ride), and putter to the lagoon hidden among barrier islets (called motus). This is where you’ll find the beaches and shallow-water snorkeling worthy of your best camera. The bigger island of Tahaa is known as Vanilla Island because its ground produces more vanilla than any other in Tahiti. Take a jeep through the hills and back roads to find the farms that produce the world-famous beans.

Go Home in Your Swimsuit
Always bring snorkel gear when you’re on the water. You might take a shuttle boat and short flight back to the main island, or you may find that you have time for one more swim before your late flight. Take some of that Tahitian water home with you, even if it’s just in your ears.

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Cruise Packing 101

Sweaters and Jackets: Embrace the layered look. You will want a rain jacket and sweatshirt on a Caribbean or Hawaii cruise for those less-than-perfect island days. And Alaska cruisers have been known to need everything from bathing suits and short-sleeve tops to warm fleece jackets, hats and gloves; the same goes for cruising round the Horn of South America. Rather than pack clothes for multiple temperatures, bring cardigans or jackets to wear over lighter layers if it gets cold.

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Hats: Throw in a hat to protect against the sun or keep your ears warm during scenic glacier cruising, and remember your sunglasses, as well. Consider headbands, bandanas and scarves for practical and style concerns.

Shoes: Ladies especially should try not to pack a suitcase full of shoes. Try to bring styles that can serve multiple purposes (such as sneakers that go from gym to sightseeing or comfy sandals that work as well by the pool as they do at a casual dinner). Color coordinate your formalwear so you only have to pack one pair of dress shoes.

Day Packs: Small backpacks or totes can be quite useful for carrying cameras, books, sunscreen, water bottles and other items around the ship or in port.

Tech: Travelers and their gadgets seem to go hand in hand these days. You’ll likely bring your smartphone, but you might also want to bring a tablet, DSLR camera, GoPro, portable game player or book reader. Don’t forget to check about foreign country and onboard roaming charges before you turn your phone on mid-cruise; if you bring a laptop or plan on accessing Wi-Fi, inquire about potentially hefty Internet usage rates onboard before logging on. Since many cabins have limited electrical outlets, some folks bring extension cords and power strips, but always check limitations on these with your cruise line prior to packing.

Entertainment: Bring books, magazines and puzzle books for sea or beach days; you can’t always count on the ship’s library to have a comprehensive selection. Binoculars are a must for Alaska and other wildlife-heavy itineraries. If traveling with kids, consider inflatable water toys for the beach that can be deflated and packed easily. If you plan on going snorkeling in every port, you might consider bringing your own gear.

Beverages: Most cruise lines will let you bring soda and water onboard, saving you the expense of paying inflated onboard rates for nonalcoholic beverages. Make sure to check cruise line requirements. One warning about packing “liquor”: cruise lines have increasingly cracked down on the practice (they’d rather you buy drinks at their bars), so consider yourself warned. Your bottle might be confiscated on arrival depending on the cruise line’s individual policy. Bring along a Champagne corker if you have a penchant for bubbly in your stateroom but don’t want to drink the whole bottle in one fell swoop.

Toiletries and Necessities: The cruise ship should provide soap and shampoo at the very least (and often body lotion, conditioner and body wash), but if you’re picky, pack your own. The same goes for hair dryers. If you can’t deal with the low wattage of in-cabin dryers, bring your favorite with you. Make sure to bring any medicines with you and not pack in your suitcase.

Storage: Many experienced cruisers swear by over-the-door shoe bags for storing toiletries or keeping small items from getting lost in cramped cabin quarters. Many bring extra hangers on longer cruises to make sure every item that needs to be hung up can be. If you plan on doing a lot of shopping in port, consider taking a foldable duffel that can be packed into your luggage at first and then filled up with souvenirs (or dirty laundry) and checked on the way home.

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69 Facts About New Zealand That’ll Blow Your Mind- There is a bird that eats cars.

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1. The kea, a bird native to NZ, is known for pulling windscreen wipers off cars and eating the strips of rubber from windows.
2. The longest place name in the world is Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, a hill in Hawkes Bay.
3. No part of the country is more than 128km (79 miles) from the sea.
4. In the scene of Star Trek: First Contact, where we see Earth from space, Australia and Papua New Guinea are clearly visible but New Zealand is missing.
5. Wellington is the southernmost capital city in the world.
6. Only 5% of NZ’s population is human- the rest are animals.
7. NZ is the least corrupt nation in the world (tied with Denmark), according to the Corruptions Perception Index.
8. New Zealand has more Scottish pipe bands per capita than any other country in the world.
9. Blue Lake, in Nelson Lakes National Park, has the clearest water in the world.
10. New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest dolphin species.
11. There are no land snakes, native or introduced, in NZ.
12. New Zealand has three official languages: English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
13. In 2008, TripAdvisor named Milford Sound (pictured below) the world’s top travel destination, based on an international survey.
14. Organized commercial bungee jumping first began in New Zealand.
15. The first man to climb Mt. Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, was a Kiwi.
16. The lowest denomination in NZ currency is the 10 cent piece.
17. More people die in New Zealand each year playing lawn bowls than scuba diving.
18. NZ is home to more species of penguins than any other country.
19. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote.
20. Auckland is one of the most affordable cities in the world to live in.
21. One in three Auckland households own a boat.
22. The Māori name for NZ, Aoetaroa, means ‘land of the long white cloud’.
23. In 2013, NZ legalized same-sex marriage.
24. Lake Taupo was formed by a super volcanic eruption 26,000 years ago. The dust from the eruption could be seen in modern day China.
25. New Zealand is home to the giant weta, the heaviest insect in the world. It is heavier than a sparrow and looks like a giant cockroach.
26. Baldwin Street, in Dunedin, is the world’s steepest street. The road has a gradient of 1 in 2.86 at its steepest section, a 38 per cent grade.
27. 15% of NZ’s population are Māori.
28. New Zealand is similar in size to the UK, but only has a population of about 4 million (compared to 63 million in the UK).
29. About one third of the country is protected national park.
30. NZ was voted the world’s best country in 2007 and 2008 by Wanderlust magazine.
31. Pelorus Jack was a dolphin who guided ships through dangerous and rocky waters around NZ in the early 1900s.
32. There are only two countries in the world where drug companies are permitted to advertise to the public: New Zealand and USA.
33. Kiwi Nancy Wake was the Gestapo’s most wanted person during World War II. She once killed a SS sentry with her bare hands.
34. More people live in Auckland than in the whole of the South Island.
35. The logo for the Royal New Zealand Air Force is a kiwi- a flightless bird.
36. In the Lord of the Rings films, the beer drunk on camera was a custom NZ brew called ‘Sobering Thought’.
37. The filming of these movies pumped around $200 million into the country’s economy. The New Zealand government even created a Minister for Lord of the Rings, to ensure the most money could be made from the films.
38. In 1996, a man broke into a radio station in Wanganui and took the manager hostage, demanding that they play the Muppet song “Rainbow Connection”.
39. Two NZ rescue dogs were taught to drive a car around a track, in order to prove the intelligence of shelter animals.
40. The Kiwi badminton team name was ‘The Black Cocks’, but after a year, had to change it due to complaints.
41. In 1990, the NZ prime minister appointed a National Wizard.
42. Rugby player Wayne Shelford got his scrotum ripped open mid-game in a bad tackle. He was taken off the field with one testicle LITERALLY hanging out, got stitched up on the bench and continued the game.
43. NZ high schools and universities are permitted to keep a pound of uranium or thorium for educational purposes. However, there is a $1 million fine if it explodes.
44. There is a giant carnivorous snail living in the South Island.
45. From 1867 to 1927, the government planed ahead for shipwrecks by building supply-filled huts on remote islands.
46. There is a clock in Dunedin which has been running since 1864, despite never having been wound since it was made.
47. Gisborne airport has train tracks running across the middle of the runway. Quite often, trains and planes have to stop until one moves out of the way.
48. NZ had a 58% casualty rate in World War I.
49. Kiwifruit were originally called Chinese gooseberries.
50. New Zealand is one of the only countries to have two national anthems- God Save The Queen and God Defend New Zealand.
51. Ninety Mile Beach is actually only 90 kilometers long.
52. Moa birds were native to NZ, but are now extinct. They were 12 feet tall and weighed about 230kg.
53. The man who pioneered plastic surgery, Harold Gillies, was a Kiwi.
54. As was Baron Ernest Rutherford, who was the first man to split an atom. He also discovered (and named) the proton.
55. New Zealand is the only country in the world where all the highest positions have been simultaneously held by women: In 2006, the Queen, the Governor-General, the PM, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice were all women.
56. The national sport of NZ is rugby union.
57. There are no nuclear power stations in New Zealand.
58. In 2008, Henry the tuatara became a father for the first time at the age of 111. (A tuatara is a reptile native to New Zealand.)
59. New Zealand is the only country with the right to put Hobbit-related images on its currency.
60. New Zealand was the last habitable land mass to be populated.
61. Three quarters of New Zealanders living overseas are in Australia.
62. 94% of all prisoners in NZ are male.
63. The only land mammals native to NZ are bats. The rest were introduced by Maoris and Europeans.
64. In 2007, the NZ courts banned a couple from naming their child 4Real. In the end they named him Superman.
65. New Zealand produces 100 kg of butter and 65 kg of cheese each year per person.
66. Earlier this year, after losing a poker bet, a New Zealand man legally changed his name to Full Metal Havok More Sexy N Intelligent Than Spock And All The Superheroes Combined With Frostnova. The 99-character name was almost denied because the legal limit is 100 characters.
67. NZ has banned all television advertising on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day, and Christmas Day.
68. Niue, a self-governed island of NZ, has images of Pokemon on its legal tender coins. There is also a limited collection of coins with images from the Star Wars films.
69. There are more vending machines in Japan than there are people in New Zealand.

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