whats the best way to use Tom's Port quide?

[scher]

Do you print out the whole port section and take that with you? We are going so many places it will be like carrying a novel with me. What is the best way you found to use it.

[Cornishpastyman1]

Do you print out the whole port section and take that with you? We are going so many places it will be like carrying a novel with me. What is the best way you found to use it.

I download the pdf(s) to my iPad and the night before visiting the port make a few short notes of bits of info that I might use.

[agabbymama]

I have a 12 compartment accordion file (and yes loaded with paper, it is heavy) but it works for me.

 

I don't usually print all of the information on Tom's Ports, only the things I know I'm interested in doing. I also sent to Visitor Bureau from the different ports websites requesting info (usually maps & brochures).

 

After visiting each port, I would throw the paper away, so the file was empty for the return home.

 

Then I have a smaller pleather wallet from HAL that holds tickets, money, passport, etc.

 

I don't have a cell phone or tablet to download anything (and wouldn't know how to use it or access it anyway).

 

Have a Plan "A" and a Plan "B" for when "A" falls apart, the be prepared to just go with the flow when both "A" and "B" fall apart. 18 months of planning mostly went right out the window when actually there. But it is still a very memorable and rewarding destination. Have a great cruise!

[scher]

I download the pdf(s) to my iPad and the night before visiting the port make a few short notes of bits of info that I might use.

 

Thats good information....I am not taking a tablet but my son is hopefully i can convince him to download all the ports.

[scher]

I have a 12 compartment accordion file (and yes loaded with paper, it is heavy) but it works for me.

 

I don't usually print all of the information on Tom's Ports, only the things I know I'm interested in doing. I also sent to Visitor Bureau from the different ports websites requesting info (usually maps & brochures).

 

After visiting each port, I would throw the paper away, so the file was empty for the return home.

 

Then I have a smaller pleather wallet from HAL that holds tickets, money, passport, etc.

 

I don't have a cell phone or tablet to download anything (and wouldn't know how to use it or access it anyway).

 

Have a Plan "A" and a Plan "B" for when "A" falls apart, the be prepared to just go with the flow when both "A" and "B" fall apart. 18 months of planning mostly went right out the window when actually there. But it is still a very memorable and rewarding destination. Have a great cruise!

 

I kind of feel for me paper is easier then a tablet. I print it out and weed out the pages I won't use. I just don't want to have to lug all that paper throughout Europe. I love the part where once your there most of the planning goes out the window anyway. That's okay at least youve become informed and make the choices that best suit your needs while there.

[LFL]

Can you please tell me how to get Tom's guide? Thanks

[A.stew12305]

I'm going through each port and deciding what's interesting. Then saving that specific info, and info I research, into a Google doc. I have a 2nd Google doc with maps and pictures. I'll print those off when I'm done, and staple them in port sections. Then I'll put all of those in a plastic protector.

Edited April 13, 2016 by A.stew12305

[cruisemom42]

Just be aware that Tom's guides should always be double checked against other sources. As with many of us who provide advice, he is not a professional, and his guides are not always 100% accurate. (Plus, things change....)

[scher]

Can you please tell me how to get Tom's guide? Thanks

 

You can Google toms port guide and it will come up on the computer and you can download each port you need

[scher]

I'm going through each port and deciding what's interesting. Then saving that specific info, and info I research, into a Google doc. I have a 2nd Google doc with maps and pictures. I'll print those off when I'm done, and staple them in port sections. Then I'll put all of those in a plastic protector.

 

Who ever thought a vacation would take soooooooo much work and effort. Lol enjoy

[Regguy]

Who ever thought a vacation would take soooooooo much work and effort. Lol enjoy

 

This is how I do it too. The idea is to put in the effort before the vacation so that the vacation is no work at all. I don't do this if I'm going to the beach for a week, but on a cruise with limited time in each port, the last thing I want to do is try to figure out the logistics. I see so many groups getting into the same "what now" fight over and over and over.

 

This is not to say everything has to be planned. Like the plan for the day for, say, Venice might be nothing more than "wander around and get lost." But even so, I like to know how to ride the water boats, where to get tickets, what tickets are cheapest, what time stuff opens or closes, etc.

 

Even when I have things scripted, I go off the plan all the time, if I see a nice restaurant or the museum I was excited to see turns out to be lame. But doing the prep work makes it easier, not harder, to be spontaneous and to feel confident in getting back on board. Resources like Tom's Guides dramatically improve my vacations, save me money, and reduce stress and increase relaxation.

[Royocruiser]

Who ever thought a vacation would take soooooooo much work and effort. Lol enjoy

 

My family always teases me about spending way more time planning than actually is spent on the trip. But, I am happy to say that because of all my planning, when one plan doesn't work out, I have a million other possibilities for backups. It's worked for me so far in over 30 countries - so I'm sticking with it!

[scher]

My family always teases me about spending way more time planning than actually is spent on the trip. But, I am happy to say that because of all my planning, when one plan doesn't work out, I have a million other possibilities for backups. It's worked for me so far in over 30 countries - so I'm sticking with it!

 

I get that! My family calls me a control freak for somewhat the same reason....but no one else is doing any research soooooooo. I'm good to go with the flow as long as I know what the alternatives are or could have been.

[dogs4fun]

My family always teases me about spending way more time planning than actually is spent on the trip. But, I am happy to say that because of all my planning, when one plan doesn't work out, I have a million other possibilities for backups. It's worked for me so far in over 30 countries - so I'm sticking with it!

Ditto! With limited time in each port, I do the same. Makes the actual cruise much more relaxing and enjoyable when I have a plan (and backup).

[Chairsin]

As a fellow uber travel researcher I prefer the term " chaos prevention specialist"" -- sounds so much nicer than control freak.[emoji4][emoji568]

[scher]

As a fellow uber travel researcher I prefer the term " chaos prevention specialist"" -- sounds so much nicer than control freak.[emoji4][emoji568]

 

My family hasn't learned the diplomatic way to characterize me yet. Lol

[scher]

I'm going through each port and deciding what's interesting. Then saving that specific info, and info I research, into a Google doc. I have a 2nd Google doc with maps and pictures. I'll print those off when I'm done, and staple them in port sections. Then I'll put all of those in a plastic protector.

 

I think that is going to be my best way also

[cosytoes]

I download to my computer then email the files to my kindle. Then can view on kindle and also kindle app on iPad which does give a better view.

[cosytoes]

Can you please tell me how to get Tom's guide? Thanks

 

 

http://www.tomsportguides.com/mediterranean-cruises.html

[zqvol]

Instead of fooling with Tom's you are better of using Rick Steves guides. They are current and will not steer you wrong, whereas others may be out of date. Make sure that you pay attention to when the guide was created.

[cosytoes]

Toms are free I thought Rick Steves are to purchase

[2ashevillesailors]

Can you please tell me how to get Tom's guide? Thanks

 

http://www.tom'sportguides.com When you get on the site just go downward on the screen and you will find an area which tells you how to download, also download onto I Pad in the I books area, for when you do not have wifi, you will have the downloaded port to read maps and other info on that port.

[cruisemom42]

Toms are free I thought Rick Steves are to purchase

 

Free yes. But again I reiterate (having looked at several for areas that I know well) that the information given MAY be incomplete and MAY not always be current.

 

Personally, I'd rather spend a bit and get correct and current info.

 

(Also, the Rick Steves podcasts used to be available at no cost.)

[2ashevillesailors]

Do you print out the whole port section and take that with you? We are going so many places it will be like carrying a novel with me. What is the best way you found to use it.

 

Do you have an I Pad? If so there are directions on how to save the pdf in the I books area. There are areas that show how to download a pdf to different notebooks. What is nice about the downloading is that you do not need wi fi to read the download in my I Pad. I love it.

You also are able to copy and paste.