As the temperature continues to drop more of us will be yearning for warmer months. In fact, taking a trip and getting away from the cold will be very tempting. If you feel like going on a vacation this winter, consider a winter cruise. With a little pre-planning you’ll be cruising by beautiful islands in a bathing suit and enjoying the sunny weather in no time.
Why a Cruise?
Everyone loves a cruise. With the spas, theatrical performances, on-ship playgrounds, games, and endless delicious food, there’s so much to do on the ship. And once you’ve docked there’s a whole other city to explore. Even the most modest-priced cruise packages have a luxury feel about them. That’s probably why the Cruise Lines International Association predicted 27.2 million people would be taking a cruise in 2018, an increase from previous years.
A Few Mindful Tips for Planning a Winter Cruise
If you would like to join the ranks and head to out to the open seas this winter consider some of the Mindful tips listed below.
Pick Your Location Wisely
When winter comes people like to travel as close to the southern hemisphere as possible. Some of the most popular winter cruise destinations aren’t all that surprising—the Caribbean and Bahamas are often top of the list. Other places like Mexico and countries in South America also see a lot of cruise tourists in the wintertime.
When picking your dream location, look for a place that has the perfect activities for your type of vacation. For instance, the destination with the perfect surfing waves would suit the sporty vacationer. But on the other hand, an explorer vacationer might want a destination with great cultural sights.
Think About Your Budget
Getting a good deal on a cruise means doing a lot of research, like checking out deal sites to get discounted cruise packages. To stay organized, create a folder on your desktop or web browser so all your information is in one spot. And while you’re at it, get a binder for your brochures and handwritten notes too.
To find the best deals, you may have to make compromises. Make a list of things you’re willing to compromise on. One example could be room size. If you ideally plan to spend most of your time on deck or off the ship entirely, room size may not matter so much and it can reduce the cost of your trip. Also make a list of things that are deal breakers, things you won’t compromise on!
Plan Your Time On-board
Cruise ships offer a lot of on-board fun. There’s typically shopping, concerts, and even classes you can take, like painting or cooking. Waiting to plan your activities on the day of your arrival can be overwhelming. So, research the on-board activities before you go and make a list of all the things you want to see. Then use this list to broadly plan out your trip. You can make can make a to-do list of things you want to try or do each day.
Plan Your Excursions Well
After a few days on board you’ll be itching to go exploring on land. So, be sure to plan ahead so you can make the most of your off-ship excursions. Plan a thoughtful combination of high-energy and low-energy activities—you’ll make the most of your time without wearing yourself out. For instance, you can explore a local museum and then rest your feet in local café. Or you can go hiking and later relax on the beach.
Take Precautions
While cruise ships are safe, things can go wrong from time to time. Taking precautions can save you a lot of time and money. Consider packing a mini first aid kit with waterproof bandages and extra medications for seasickness and food-related illnesses. Keep all of your important documents (passports, money, tickets, etc) in a safe place. For more tips on cruise safety, check out this Mindful article.