Cruises can be a lot of fun and a great way to visit several locations in a short time. Being transported on the Ocean is truly a very relaxing experience. For some it is an opportunity to unwind while for others it can be a bit unnerving being on water for such a long period of time. My first cruise was a 7 day trip to 5 Caribbean islands with friends. I personally thought it was a great opportunity to see several places in a week.

When one books a cruise there are excursions options for guests to book with the cruise line or possibly book on their own once the boat docks at the location. We found the latter option to be the better one for us. The prices given to us by local tour guides were much less and we were given a more local view of the locations. We found out that the excursions booked through the cruise company were typically more costly and very crowded.

Other costs to consider when taking a cruise are drinks (alcohol), food is included in your cost but drinks come at a cost and while cruising and having fun it can be easy to run up a tab very quickly. Typically if there is a “day at sea” guests enjoy the day by the pool on the main deck or by the bar. One can only imagine when you are in a relaxed state it’s easy to have one drink, two drinks, three drinks, four . . . Although you are able to purchase alcohol at the various ports you visit they are held by cruise staff and given to you at the end of your cruise.
Another cost that may sneak up on you is winning gift certificates to the spa. These may be given for winning on deck games, or as a birthday gift from the cruise company. The spa amount typically covers something like a manicure, but invariably the spa staff members encourage guests to add a few additional services to help you feel relaxed. Before you know it your bill could be five times the amount you initially wanted to spend.

Like credit cards you are given a deck card upon entrance of your cruise, this act as your room keys and on cruise credit for everything you need. It is conveniently linked to your credit card so the only thing needed to make purchases on board is your cruise card.
Because there are so many things to do on the cruise, like photographs taken by the ship’s photographers, printed and available for purchase; or the cruise stores that sell duty free items; Casino gambling and Night club activities; your balance can add up pretty quickly.
The next time you plan your amazing cruise that is always a great, relaxing idea of seeing new and exciting places, take into account not only the cost of the cruise and the fun excursions but allow a budget for additional items that may creep up while on the water.

Like every person with a passion for travel and for visiting new places, I read all the information I could find about Thailand when I make the decision to include this exotic land among my adventures. What no travel brochure or tourist promo described for me however is what I call “the Taste of Thailand”.

Thailand is a tourist haven in Southeast Asia.  It is characterized by lush vegetation, crystal clear, warm ocean waters, luxury hotels and grand Buddhist temples.  I saw and experienced them all, but still maintain that I will always remember this land for its Taste.

I remember trying lychee martinis for the first time in the business center of Banyan Tree Hotel in Bangkok.  It was the most amazing Martini I’ve ever had in my life.

Every morning at breakfast I would enjoy a delicious cup of Thai coffee which had a rich taste like none I’ve ever had before. The fruits were so incredibly good it filled my appetite and was satisfying for starting the day.

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I remember thinking this country is extra sweet in every way. The colors were rich pinks, and reds and blues and lots of gold. Besides being a beautiful country, its capital Bangkok boasts the most amazing gold figures I’ve ever seen. The temples I visited were filled with gold.

I spent a week in Thailand after leaving Shanghai, China.  After landing it was about a 30 minute ride to my hotel. The vibrancy of this land is the first thing that stood out for me. There were several paintings of majestic art all over the city, on the buses and also blended in with the architecture. Thailand was a sweet taste in every way. They are the biggest distributors of orchids, and orchids are everywhere.  This serves to add beauty to everything.

Rooftop view at night from the Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

Oh how I remember the tastes of Thailand. Flavors I haven’t experienced prior to my visit there. Rich, sweet, fresh taste.

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They old saying “home is where the heart is” is indeed true. I am proud to say that Ocho Rios (Spanish for Eight Rivers), Jamaica is home for me.

I have an enormous sense of peace and tranquility every time I go home to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It was where a midwife delivered me on what I am told was a bright, beautiful, cloudless Sunday morning of February 15 many years ago.

The entire island of Jamaica is beautiful, however I’m very partial to Ocho Rios. It’s located in the north cost of the island and has some of the most beautiful beaches.

Besides being the largest parish in Jamaica, halfway between the eastern and western ends of the island. Ocho Rios, often called the Garden parish has a variety of “Things to do”.