Before you climb aboard your bus or mini van or car, take a couple of photos - a photo of the side of the vehicle including any signage, and one from front or back showing the licence plate. If you are spending some time alone, or have become separated it helps you find the right vehicle in a big parking lot. If you have a rucksack that seems particularly vulnerable, pick up a waterproof cover for it. These are like elasticated shower caps, they fit all around the bag, and will conceal all the pockets and zippers. The come in all sizes and are easily found on Amazon if you can’t find one locally.
In addition to an extra SD card for the camera, swap the SD cards periodically. If one of them should fail or become lost you won’t lose all your pictures. (This was a tip given to me by a National Geographic photographer)
Just a thought about needing cash when you are ashore. Using a cash machine can be an option, but you should be aware that if the machine retains your card (which can happen when you use it abroad) you may not be able to get it back before you return to the ship, which may mean that you have to cancel the card which could cause you problems paying your account at the end of the cruise if it is the same card. An alternative is to find a supermarket as, in many countries, you can get cash back on a debit card when you pay. Paying in a supermarket means that your card cannot get retained. Great video though.
I always carry a backpack on port days. Each pocket has 2 zippers that meet so I can use something as simple as bread ties to have a little extra security. Having a backpack really comes in handy if you like to do some shopping. Other than that, a camera, basic first aid (couple bandaids, tylenol, etc), a handkerchief (especially when its over 100°), money, ID, bottle of water. Maybe a mini battery operated fan if its super hot out and, depending on whether I had time on the ship, a quick breakfast like a muffin or granola bar.
The first thing I do each day is to take a pic of the daily schedule. It serves as a break from one day to the next and helps me sort out photos as I look back after the trip. In the US we have a regular passport as well as a passport card. It’s the size of a driving license and gives me more comfort than a driving license. Clearly you should take pictures of your passport, driving license, and any other important documentation. Carrying simple first aids and supplemental phone battery packs may seem like a lot of trouble but it gives me a great sense of peace. As always, you give great tips. 🤗
Great list! I have a cloth 1 liter/quart, water bottle carrier. It has an adjustable strap and I wear it across my body so it doesn't slide off. I can carry my water hands free but still easily accessible. I can take the cap off the bottle while walking while the strap stays around my body. The carrier also has a pocket to slip money and cards in. Pocket isn't obvious.
So smart! Whenever I'm traveling with my kids I bring a CamelBak. Similar idea, I can carry enough water for all of us hands free and I can stash a diaper or a couple snacks in the pouch. Works great for hiking, theme parks, beaches, or being on your feet all day around town.
I have a small attachable safe that holds all my "valuables" and attaches to my beach chair. It has never failed me, and works great on poolside chairs on the Lido deck on the ship :)
In addition to water and medications, I always carry rehydration powers (Dioralyte in the UK) which can be really effective in a hot climate if you start to feel the effects of dehydration.
You mention getting lost. You should drop a pin on the map app on your phone of your ships exact location. Do this before getting off the ship or while standing next to it at port.
passport; visa if relevant; phone contact; excursion tickets; sea card; museum admission tickets; concert or theatre tickets; local cash for food drinks lunch; jacket winbreaker; swimming towels sunscreen bug spray; Time ship leaves; setting mobile phone or watch to ship time zone which might be different than local time zone;
Great information. I wear a photographer’s vest. It has many zipper pockets inside and outside and provides an easy way to take items with me, and have easy access to them and they are secure. This avoids the need to carry a shoulder bag or any other type of bag that gets in the way or that I might set down and forget.
Your videos hav really helped me plan for my first Alaska cruise next August. Also these tips would work fine for any traveling scenario, with a few minor alterations. Thanks, Gary!❤️
Many years ago I had my Passport copied onto a credit card size and material a placed it with my other cards I take on shore, many many times I’ve used it like a passport for ID, I’ve renewed it several times (worth Gold)
G’day Gary, we’re slowly reaching our 80% vaccinations here DownUnder & then looking forward to getting back onto a big tub mate, really good information you give here. Cheers mate 🍻👍👍👍🇦🇺
Thank you for all your wonderful tips. QUESTION: I tend to be a bit nervous going back to port and worrying if I will get back to the ship on time. What do you use to keep track of your time? I know we have our phones but do you suggest a watch with ship time as well?
Always take a watch when you travel, I have had my phone time incorrect at one place. Plus check the ships time when leaving, as it could be different than what you think. I mostly take ships shore excursions, so that if they are late back, the ship waits.
These are wonderful tips, as always, but I do have one question. Where was that gorgeous place, where you were walking across the green footbridge, near the end of the video?
Bring your common sense and you won't get into trouble. On one cruise my wife wanted to wander a bit farther away from the tourist areas. Call me a pussy but I'm not prepared to throw down with some locals who want my money more than me. I've seen first hand the result of a passenger who wandered off too far from the tourist areas. Not very enjoyable nursing wounds for the rest of the cruise.
With all of the problems in today’s world I always plug in the phone number of the embassy of each country we visit, as well as the hotels if applicable into the cell phone.
XE is a really good way to check exchange rates. I never thought about the medication issue. Many prescription drugs have different brand names in different countries. It's very important to have the chemical name so a doctor will know what you need. For instance Tylenol to Americans is acetaminophen and to Europeans is paracetamol. Doctors and Pharmacists will know by what we Americans call the generic name of the drug which is its chemical name the correct medicine to give you.
We have our pharmacy prepare 'pill packs' for us but then take copies of our most recent prescription receipts that identify the dosage, our names, etc. so that there is no confusion if in a situation.
I'd never walk around a foreign country without my passport - a driver's licence wont' get on a plane in most of the world. That and cards/cash is all you really need.
Before you climb aboard your bus or mini van or car, take a couple of photos - a photo of the side of the vehicle including any signage, and one from front or back showing the licence plate. If you are spending some time alone, or have become separated it helps you find the right vehicle in a big parking lot.
If you have a rucksack that seems particularly vulnerable, pick up a waterproof cover for it. These are like elasticated shower caps, they fit all around the bag, and will conceal all the pockets and zippers. The come in all sizes and are easily found on Amazon if you can’t find one locally.
Taking a photo of the daily planner is a genius tip.
You need a WATCH/time piece set to the ship's time. Phone may reset to port time not ship's time.
In addition to an extra SD card for the camera, swap the SD cards periodically. If one of them should fail or become lost you won’t lose all your pictures. (This was a tip given to me by a National Geographic photographer)
Great tip 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Just a thought about needing cash when you are ashore. Using a cash machine can be an option, but you should be aware that if the machine retains your card (which can happen when you use it abroad) you may not be able to get it back before you return to the ship, which may mean that you have to cancel the card which could cause you problems paying your account at the end of the cruise if it is the same card. An alternative is to find a supermarket as, in many countries, you can get cash back on a debit card when you pay. Paying in a supermarket means that your card cannot get retained. Great video though.
I always carry a backpack on port days. Each pocket has 2 zippers that meet so I can use something as simple as bread ties to have a little extra security. Having a backpack really comes in handy if you like to do some shopping. Other than that, a camera, basic first aid (couple bandaids, tylenol, etc), a handkerchief (especially when its over 100°), money, ID, bottle of water. Maybe a mini battery operated fan if its super hot out and, depending on whether I had time on the ship, a quick breakfast like a muffin or granola bar.
The first thing I do each day is to take a pic of the daily schedule. It serves as a break from one day to the next and helps me sort out photos as I look back after the trip.
In the US we have a regular passport as well as a passport card. It’s the size of a driving license and gives me more comfort than a driving license.
Clearly you should take pictures of your passport, driving license, and any other important documentation. Carrying simple first aids and supplemental phone battery packs may seem like a lot of trouble but it gives me a great sense of peace.
As always, you give great tips. 🤗
Great list!
I have a cloth 1 liter/quart, water bottle carrier. It has an adjustable strap and I wear it across my body so it doesn't slide off. I can carry my water hands free but still easily accessible.
I can take the cap off the bottle while walking while the strap stays around my body. The carrier also has a pocket to slip money and cards in. Pocket isn't obvious.
So smart! Whenever I'm traveling with my kids I bring a CamelBak. Similar idea, I can carry enough water for all of us hands free and I can stash a diaper or a couple snacks in the pouch. Works great for hiking, theme parks, beaches, or being on your feet all day around town.
You have such a pleasant voice and way of explaining. Please keep going. Best wishes from another 50+ (actually 60+) cruiser from Denmark
Thanks! Much appreciated, and great to hear you enjoyed :-)
I found your tip about what to do with valuables on the beach when you’re on your own or both want to go into the water very interesting .
Me too. That’s a great idea.
I have a small attachable safe that holds all my "valuables" and attaches to my beach chair. It has never failed me, and works great on poolside chairs on the Lido deck on the ship :)
In addition to water and medications, I always carry rehydration powers (Dioralyte in the UK) which can be really effective in a hot climate if you start to feel the effects of dehydration.
Take toilet paper or tissues. I’ve been on several excursions where you could find facilities, but no toilet paper.
And wet wipes would always be handy too.
Good tips! We take photo ID ashore but not ship information or insurance details. We'd better up our game! Thanks, Gary - best in the business.
Gary, These are great reminders. I have been on 5 ocean cruises and I still like to have these notes. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I like the burying in the sand tip
You mention getting lost. You should drop a pin on the map app on your phone of your ships exact location. Do this before getting off the ship or while standing next to it at port.
That is a great tip!!
Yet another tremendously insightful video. No one does it better than Gary!
Good info except for one thing. I would not carry my bank card. Its an direct line to your cash and may not be recoverable like a credit csrd.
wrt medications, be sure to do your research about whether the country you’re visiting considers certain medicines to be illegal.
passport; visa if relevant; phone contact; excursion tickets; sea card; museum admission tickets; concert or theatre tickets; local cash for food drinks lunch; jacket winbreaker; swimming towels sunscreen bug spray; Time ship leaves; setting mobile phone or watch to ship time zone which might be different than local time zone;
Great tip on taking a mini first aid kit and 1-2 does of daily medicine.
Great suggestions. Thank you for sharing.
#5 I always use a second phone set up for travel only. That way if it is lost/stolen, I don't lose my "home life", because it stays at home.
Excellent tips, as always!
Very helpful info! Thanks so much-
7:00 Came here for cruise tips. Got a shot of my hometown METRO. I believe that's shot in Union Station METRO station.
Great information.
I wear a photographer’s vest. It has many zipper pockets inside and outside and provides an easy way to take items with me, and have easy access to them and they are secure.
This avoids the need to carry a shoulder bag or any other type of bag that gets in the way or that I might set down and forget.
I’ve traveled a lot and some of your tips were new to me. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Lots of great ideas I'd not thought to do. If hiring a car, have some coins of local money for parking meters.
Your videos hav really helped me plan for my first Alaska cruise next August. Also these tips would work fine for any traveling scenario, with a few minor alterations. Thanks, Gary!❤️
Gary, thank you for this. We are sailing on the new Rotterdam next week and even though this is not my first cruise I learned a tip or 2!
Many years ago I had my Passport copied onto a credit card size and material a placed it with my other cards I take on shore, many many times I’ve used it like a passport for ID, I’ve renewed it several times (worth Gold)
Very helpful thanks
G’day Gary, we’re slowly reaching our 80% vaccinations here DownUnder & then looking forward to getting back onto a big tub mate, really good information you give here.
Cheers mate 🍻👍👍👍🇦🇺
Excellent details. Well done. Maybe also your emergency contact on your person.
I see you did the Luxury Car on the White Pass Railroad. That's the only way to go!
Great ideas - Thank you! Any recommendations on a brand of wet bag/bum bag?
One of your most helpful videos to date! thank you.
Thanks ! Appreciate you watching
I really look forward to these videos from you. You’re like my personal travel advisor. Thank you and all the best to you.
Sat phone, harpoon gun, treasure from a fish tank, Star Trek tricorder. Codes to the death Star, and water. 😁
Lol no really good vid dude
I'd love a Star Trek Tricorder :-)
You have a very comforting voice please continue giving your good advice thx John sousa
I take a photocopy of passport. I try not to rely on my phone as there's always the risk of pickpockets in a new environment.
A nice warm drink or some ice cream might be a good idea helps soothes the throat
Thank you for all your wonderful tips. QUESTION: I tend to be a bit nervous going back to port and worrying if I will get back to the ship on time. What do you use to keep track of your time? I know we have our phones but do you suggest a watch with ship time as well?
Always take a watch when you travel, I have had my phone time incorrect at one place. Plus check the ships time when leaving, as it could be different than what you think. I mostly take ships shore excursions, so that if they are late back, the ship waits.
These are wonderful tips, as always, but I do have one question. Where was that gorgeous place, where you were walking across the green footbridge, near the end of the video?
That was in Iceland !
@@tipsfortravellers Thank you for the reply. Iceland has always been on our wish list but that view has pushed it to the top.
When I travel I leave my good phone at home. I use an old or cheap phone that I can afford to be lost or stolen.
Phones & SIM cards for International use is a big issue .Have you any tips about that issue.
I set my alarm an hour before port departure as my reminder
Most sensible people would do all this but some people don't think.
Great tips but it will get heavy on a walking excursions. I always struggle with getting that right.
Definitely!
Bring your common sense and you won't get into trouble. On one cruise my wife wanted to wander a bit farther away from the tourist areas. Call me a pussy but I'm not prepared to throw down with some locals who want my money more than me. I've seen first hand the result of a passenger who wandered off too far from the tourist areas. Not very enjoyable nursing wounds for the rest of the cruise.
some app or phrasebook in local languages
I thought you always had to take your passport with you.
Be sure any child has ID and ship info. How to contact adults and the sh8p. Please!!
With all of the problems in today’s world I always plug in the phone number of the embassy of each country we visit, as well as the hotels if applicable into the cell phone.
yes, good idea, p,us before you leave home one can register their trip with ones own consulate.
On no sir Gary. Sorry you broke your ankle on a past vacation. You know I’ve never paid attention. You’re right. Could be more than one port.
agree medicines
XE is a really good way to check exchange rates.
I never thought about the medication issue.
Many prescription drugs have different brand names in different countries.
It's very important to have the chemical name so a doctor will know what you need.
For instance Tylenol to Americans is acetaminophen and to Europeans is paracetamol.
Doctors and Pharmacists will know by what we Americans call the generic name of the drug which is its chemical name the correct medicine to give you.
We have our pharmacy prepare 'pill packs' for us but then take copies of our most recent prescription receipts that identify the dosage, our names, etc. so that there is no confusion if in a situation.
@@kathyslocombe1182 That is a great idea
What's a BAT-TREE?????????????
A copy of the local consultants phone number and address. I also carry a passport card, jic.
toilet cash; card debit or credit; insurance; vaccines negative covid test photo
water toilet paper
If you're mugged or robbed while in port, the robber is very likely to take your phone. Then, all those pictures stored in the cloud are inaccessible.
Back them up to google docs or similar or email them to yourself. Then they’re available worldwide as long as you can access the internet.
They are accessible so long as you can access the internet
I'd never walk around a foreign country without my passport - a driver's licence wont' get on a plane in most of the world. That and cards/cash is all you really need.
take a copy though.
Excellent list, thanks!
Very good advice, thank you.
Excellent advice, thank you!