lynncarol

Sometimes you can do the best research possible and still encounter problems. Years ago my husband and I signed up on a roll call with a family of three for the five of us to explore part of southern Italian port stop. (I'm not going to be more specific in case they recognize themselves in this post).When we got onboard, we learned that this family had (without ever telling us) signed up another 18 folks and rented a bus. I should have backed out then, but foolishly continued on with this greatly enlarged group. Turned out they were all very boisterous, sharing photos and with continuous talking so loud that the guide on our bus finally gave up trying to impart any information on the tour. Days later we attended a captain's party where we could barely hear his comments because of so much noisy conversation in the background. Turned out it was this same group of folks. It took us quite awhile to sign up for any more tours with strangers.

My husband and I often travel independently. throughout the world. If the vendor is asking a reasonable price for something I really want, I pay. If not, I haggle but you need to keep the conversation pleasant and be non-confrontational. I always learn a few words of the local language and start by greeting him in that language. Then I switch to English and praise the merchandise, but say it is above my current budget and could he do better? If I like the new price, I pay. If not, leave with a regretful expression which often lowers the price to one I want. (I do this in the USA too at flea markets, estate sales etc.) My solution to hiring taxis for a local tour is to ask someone at the front desk in our hotel (whom I tip) what is a reasonable price to pay for the tour I have in mind and have them write it down on a piece of paper in both local language and currency. Then I go where there is a line of licensed cabs waiting, see if the driver speaks English, and show them my slip of paper. We always pay after the tour is completed and tip generously too if the driver makes a special effort. This has worked for us for years, even in third world countries. One disclaimer: I do ask the hotel to call for a cab if timing is imperative such as getting to the airport or we need it late at night.

Do you like museums? We do and The Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteck, which was easily accessible by bus, remains one of our favorites.

The first time my husband and I went to Water Island was years ago and the ferry was almost empty even with a cruise-ship in port. At that time, there were no eating facilities or rental equipment at Honeymoon Beach, on Water Island. We brought our own snorkel equipment and the snorkeling, while nothing spectacular, was OK especially near the rocks.The other time we went was on a ship snorkel excursion this past March. Honeymoon Beach now boasted an big outdoor bar, and lots of other tourists. The weather was rainy so most of them were huddled underneath the bar shelter. Those of us in the water were thrilled to observe at least 4 huge sea turtles swimming about. They were totally fearless and would come up for air right in the middle of small groups of excited viewers floating above. Then the turtles would submerge and continue placidly feeding on the grassy bottom. Very exciting and something we had never seen before or since.

It's been awhile but my husband and I used Spenser Ambrose tour to Jalousie Beach which also included quick stops at points of interest along the way and a nice lunch grilled on the beach (along with rum and beer). Very pleased.

Five of us booked a van with Bernard's tours last March. We presented our driver (Action Jackson) with our own 'must sees" and he delivered them in spades! Highly recommend.

Funny story. I too am shy and at the Myvatn Nature Baths felt uncomfortable about the shower (even though it was all female). Just then a drop-dead gorgeous nude young woman strutted into the showers and I totally relaxed, knowing for sure that nobody would be looking at me.

My husband and I went with Island Wings with owner/pilot Michele in Sept 2014. It was my first float plane trip and so smooth I hardly even felt the touchdown when landing. No issues at all with nausea etc. (Last year I went on several small safari bush planes while in Africa and although the weather was good, I could definitely feel a difference). When in Alaska, we chose Island Wing's Traitors Cove tour to see bears catching salmon and it was a fabulous experience. Viewing platform schedules were limited and enforced by onsite volunteers with only 12 folks at a time allowed at the viewing platform the whole time we were there.

Of course there are things to do at the ports that don't cost much money. My husband and I also try to watch our spending, but if a place has an attraction that we really want to see, we will spend the money to do so. You don't have to go on the pricey ship's excursions...many of us use private vendors. Check out your cruise roll call, often someone there is organizing an excursion where you can share costs. Prior to visiting Barbados, we joined up with another couple for a half day tour of the island. The trick is to communicate candidly with these folks and make sure you all want to see the same things. For example, for the Barbados tour, when this particular couple indicated they wanted to focus on things of natural beauty and were NOT interested in 'shopping opportunities' or bar hopping we quickly signed on.

My husband and I have stayed twice (6 days total) at Hotel Karntnerhof in Vienna, Grasofgasse 4. We weren't part of a cruise then, so not sure of its location to the port or to the Christmas markets. Not that expensive (for Vienna), quiet and a short walk to the cathedral and historical areas Rooms are clean, although rather compact and the beds comfortable. The staff is wonderful and they have a open rooftop area open for guests with shaded seating where we always enjoyed our pre-dinner wine.

Now that is impressive! Maybe YOU should be a travel agent.

Ah...thanks for the clarification. It's been a number of years since we went to that museum, and even though I had obviously forgotten the correct identifying info, I have never forgotten the beauty of that room. Also, now I know what I want to include on our next visit to Italy...Livia's villa outside Rome

Been to Rome a number of times now and still haven't seen it all. One place that seems to be off the beaten track is Museo Nazionale. Here there are frescoes etc that were uncovered during various excavations in the city. One room features the walls of the garden room of the emperor's sister, Lydia (if I recall the name correctly) which was absolutely amazing.

Oh no! Your scenario was what I feared would happen to us.. Did you ever utilize the agent again?

For an island where regular cruise ships go, faves are Barbados, followed by St. Lucia (with excursion to the Pitons). For a small boat cruise, Virgin Gorda. I agree St. Thomas is no longer very appealing, but you can get a ferry from there to Water Island which we liked.

Been on many cruises over the years. Only once did I use a TA to book a cruise and that was because we had other couples going with us and they wanted a TA they could call if problems arose. However, before final payment, I just happened to notice on the web a 24 hour $1000 per cabin price drop on our cruise. I immediately phoned the cruise-line to learn that our TA alone could make those changes. So I frantically called our TA only to have it go to her voicemail. As she was an independent agent, anxious hours ensued before she finally got back to me and could get us all the new price since it was (barely) under the 24 hour deadline. Never again.

Hotel Intercontinental in Budapest.. When we were there, traveling independently, two different cruise lines (Viking and AMA) had desks set up in the lobby. Very conveniently located, best night-time view ever if you get a room overlooking the river, and wonderful breakfasts included.

The showers at the Nature Baths were indeed communal (although gender restricted) I was a bit shy about the 'exposure' but then a drop-dead gorgeous nude young woman entered and then I knew for sure that nobody would be looking at me .

check out the website tripadvisor Go to Peru forums in the South America section. The most current situation there is extensively discussed and local Peruvians are weighing in too.

The pressure is really off with Grandkids, unlike raising your children. After all, who ever said, "That child is a real brat. He/she must have terrible grandparents"

It's been a number of years but we missed a Celebrity ship's departure from England after our flight from Pittsburgh to Philly (then on to London) was cancelled due to weather. I had booked all air travel through Celebrity and naively thought they would take care of it as now we had to take three legs of flights to get to the next port in Oslo but Celebrity had only authorized 2 legs. Hah! Celebrity said as it was the airline's problem, the airline needed to fix it. Only through the grace of a real sweetheart at the air counter did we make it to Oslo a day late. Celebrity had given us the number of their port agent there, but he never answered his phone. Finally the Oslo airport tracked him down and finally, he picked us up. Then when we tried to board in Oslo, since we had no ship card, the port authorities wouldn't let us in (and the port agent was nowhere in sight). Fortunately, there were 4 other folks in the same situation at the port and after we all threatened a big riot, they contacted the ship and someone eventually came and let us onboard. Moral...try not to miss a ship departure under any circumstance.

I would imagine an ATM in Istanbul would suffice to get local currency. Our ATM card reimburses for fees of foreign banks and we have always found the best exchange rates using them. Out of an abundance of caution, however, we always use a bank's ATM machine and only during their business hours (not some random machine attached to a grocery store, for example). Bank fees in our area to get foreign currency are high with a poor exchange rate and a long wait time if seeking the less popular currencies.

Peggy's Cove is very scenic but it will be crowded with tourists. Given your interests, I would definitely spend my time in Halifax. Been there three times now but If you are really torn, once we took the ship tour to Peggy's Cove and the Titanic Graveyard. I think it was 4 1/2 hours total, so you could do that in the morning, then (assuming your ship has a later departure) see the Halifax attractions. Titanic Museum and waterfront area, the Citadel/fort and the Botanical Gardens are my personal favorites. Try to time your visit to the citadel when they fire the cannon. Very cool.