From amazing ocean voyages and exotic destinations to fun shore excursions, holiday cruises offer the best of both worlds. From North America to Europe, Asia, and even Antarctica, major cruise lines operate hundreds of mega-ships built to circumnavigate the globe. Adding to the excitement of travel are the onboard amenities and activities that keep you entertained around the clock. Here are some top destinations and the best cruise lines to check out now. The Bahamas Ranked among the top holiday destinations worldwide, the Bahamas offers tranquility and serenity in the middle of the Caribbean. In fact, this exotic destination has been featured in several Hollywood and international movies. Adored for its blue ocean beaches, underwater excursions, and private isles with luxurious resorts, the Bahamas is also one of the cheaper cruise destinations as dozens of fleets operate exclusively at the equator. Royal Caribbean offers holiday cruises that start at just $161 for three to four nights with the crown jewels of the shipping fleet: Adventure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas. Antarctica What was once explored by only scientists and researchers has now become a popular cruise destination for travelers all around the world.

Taking a cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to unwind, and it is hands down the best way to travel. With all the great food and drinks to indulge in, engaging adrenaline activities and luxurious spa retreats, you may never want the vacation to end. However, if this is your first cruise, you must avoid the following things that can land you in trouble or make you feel out of place. Explore the islands Instead of waiting back to use the empty pool, bar, or rides on board, step off the ship to explore the exotic locations. The idea is to have a balance between exploring new places and enjoying the travel as well. An empty pool and an empty bar can be easily enjoyed at a resort, but the island the cruise docks at is probably something you will never get to visit again.  Don’t buy a drinks package You may think it’s wise to opt for a drinks package, but most cruise tickets include free cocktails and meals onboard. Be very sure of your package when you buy tickets to know exactly what all it includes. The staff on board may coax its guests to buy various packages before saying yes to confirm what your ticket includes.

Cruises are one of the less hectic ways to travel, compared to booking flights and hotels. Many think that being on a big ship for many days at a time could leave you wanting more. And that actually couldn’t be further from the truth. Cruise lines offer tons of attractions and features to keep your days busy and nights entertained. Here are a few ways to make the most of being on a cruise. Chill by the pool Sure, you can spend your days lounging by the pool on land. But chill by a pool on a luxurious cruise is so much cooler. Most top cruise lines offer basic features such as pools and hot tubs. If you feel like you’ve got nothing to do while on international waters, don’t hesitate to take a dip and hang out by the lounge chairs. Aside from the basic pools, some cruises even offer water sports, interactive water parks, water slides, and even wading pools for kids. If you opt for an adults-only cruise, you can find yourself chilling in a pool solarium and relaxing in style. Get pampered at the spa If you’re not too keen on chilling by the pool, you can opt for a self-care day at the spa.

Those who have traveled on a cruise before are probably already familiar with cruise dos and don’ts. But for cruise rookies out there, this is a brand new experience. If you’re one of them, you probably do not know what to expect, especially since there will be a ton of other passengers. Good thing we’re here to help. Read on to know about five things you should not do on your first cruise trip. Don’t forget to turn off your data First-time passengers are often surprised and dumbfounded by their expensive cellular bills after a cruise. These high bills are only a result of the international data and roaming charges applied to cell services. If you do want to avoid these pricy bills, you can opt to turn off cellular data for the whole duration of your trip or while nearing a coast or port. You can also switch off your cell phone or put it on airplane mode to avoid unnecessary costs. However, this does not mean that you cannot contact your loved ones on land. You can simply use the internet cafes onboard or pay to access Wi-Fi services throughout the trip. Don’t shop too much One of the biggest mistakes first-time travelers make is shopping way too much at ports.

Asthma is a long-term condition wherein patients suffer from inflamed airways, making breathing difficult. Asthma triggers may vary from person to person, but some common ones include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. It is crucial to manage asthma symptoms when traveling because it’s hard to figure out what could lead to a flare in a new environment. Find below some traveling tips to avoid trips to the emergency room. Consider seeing your doctor before traveling Before traveling, you should consult a doctor from a regional travel clinic or health department. If you take regular allergy shots, discuss your travel plan with your allergist. Your doctor will be able to refill your prescriptions and tell you more about travel-related risks. They will also be able to give immunization shots if required. Work out an allergic asthma action plan with your doctor. Ask them to provide you with a letter explaining your condition, prescriptions required, and devices needed in an emergency. Keep this letter with you at all times when traveling. Be strategic about your destination Learn about your destination beforehand. Check if medical facilities or hospitals are close by. Get information on the weather condition like smog and humidity.

Every destination has its own charm, offering its unique different cuisines, tourist spots, architecture, and etiquettes. It’s always a good idea to do some research before going to a new country; it makes travel easier and hassle-free. After all, vacations are meant for relaxation and creating beautiful memories. This article shares some common mistakes travelers should avoid while touring Europe, the continent of royal castles, exquisite cuisines, quaint villages, and appealing architecture.  Solely relying on plastic money If you think carrying your card is the way to go on travels, think again. Most cafes, restaurants, bars, tourist spots, museums, and public transportation still mostly accept cash over plastic money. Withdraw an amount that should help take you through most of the trip. This way, you avoid stacking withdrawal fees. However, only carry the required amount for the day. ATMs let you pick denominations, and after your first day in Europe, you should know which denomination mix works best in the country you’re in.  Forgetting to claim your VAT tax refund This is an important note to make, especially when making large purchases. You will need a VAT tax refund form at the airport when traveling back home. This piece of paper could reward you with a 19-25% cash refund on all purchases from 0 to 175 euros.

Planning for a vacation is fun. Thinking about the exciting places you’re going to visit, new cuisine, and entertainment adventures can lift your spirits. And since you can arrange everything from hotels to restaurant reservations online in advance, there’s not much running about to do. However, you must be cautious. Some holiday deals may sound too appealing to be true. A mistake while booking a hotel could cost you money and spoil your vacation. Not asking for refundable bookings If paying in advance, one of the biggest hotel booking mistakes to avoid is taking a non-refundable room. A non-refundable package may be cheaper, but travel plans can change abruptly. If you decide to shift your holiday destination and need to cancel, you may have to pay the penalty. So always book a room that comes with refundable rates and free cancelation. Going for the cheapest rooms available A lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. With hotels, you must also read customer reviews while comparing the rates online. There’s a good reason the room is listed for a discount. So, find out what it is before confirming a reservation. Also, use pricing comparison tools available on booking websites.

Traveling to a new location allows you to explore the unknown. It is a great way to enjoy and experience new cultures, traditions, and cuisines while you unwind. It is also normal to make a few mistakes and dabble in a few travel glitches during the journey. But, at times, these errors can often put a stop to your fun and frolic. Thankfully, some of these mistakes are avoidable. Let’s look at them. Overpacking When you’re traveling, the last thing you want to do is lug around heavy and huge suitcases. Not only will this completely ruin the vacation spirit, but it also could leave you with a sore arm. Overpacking is one of the most common mistakes people make when traveling. In most cases, overpacking starts with choosing an oversized suitcase or travel bag. Instead, start with a carry-on bag and then move to another if you need to. Also, pick out all the items that you want to take on the trip. Then, slowly eliminate some of them and try to find workarounds. This helps you limit your items to only essentials. Another tip, carry neutral clothing options; this way, you can mix and match your outfits. Carrying expensive items Carrying expensive items like jewelry poses a risk when traveling.