How to Exchange Currency

When it comes to navigating exchange rates, it pays to know all your options. 

  • Swipe a credit card  - Best
  • Withdraw cash from an ATM - Best
  • Exchange cash at your bank - Watch for Fees
  • Buy cash on line - Okay option
  • Buy Travelers Checks - Avoid if possible
  • Buy Pre Paid Foreign Currency  card - Avoid if possible
  • Foreign exchange desk at hotel or airport - Run!  Avoid at all costs


 MSNBC offers a handy guide to the seven most common methods for foreign exchange. Each has its pros and cons (some of which can feel like legal swindling), so they have evaluated the options for you with the euro as the base tender, using an Exchange Rate Rip-off Meter from 1 to 5.   "1" Check out MSNBC for more information







Norwegian Cruise Line and AARP

NCL is offering  AARP members a 5% discount off cruises fleet-wide or reduced rates on select Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jade and Pride of America sailings through June 30. Book now to combine one of these deals with current bonus offers! For more information email sales@mycruiseoutlet.com

Disney's Newest Resort - Aulani

Aerial Photo of Ko Olina on Oahu, HawaiiImage via WikipediaDisney's newest resort is opening August 29, 2011!   Inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani has been uniquely designed for families. Perfectly placed in the Ko Olina area on the Leeward side of Oahuon, the beautiful beachfront cove on the shores of Oahu, Aulani will offer kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create.  The Resort is perfectly placed - close to activities in Hawaii but just far enough away to be an enchanting escape. The soaring architecture of the lobby offers stunning mountain and ocean views, while throughout the Resort you'll discover luxurious details and flawless Disney magic in harmony with the natural world.  Aulani Disney Resort & Spa the first-of-its-kind Disney creation.   
Enhanced by Zemanta

Smart Phone Apps for Theme Parks

Software developers started tapping into smart-phone users' zeal for theme parks a couple years ago, and dozens of applications are now available for iPhones, Droids and other handheld devices that can make park visits more efficient and fun. A few can be downloaded free, but most cost a few dollars.
Most of the apps available currently are geared toward Walt Disney World, including Disney's own app for Verizon phones, but a handful are available for other attractions, too. For instance a free iPhone app called Universal Wait Times (VersaEdge Software) did exactly what it promised when tested recently: provided accurate wait times for rides inside the two Universal Orlando parks. The app proved to be particularly useful during a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Islands of Adventure, where wait times for the signature ride tend to be much longer than in other areas of the Universal parks.
There are apps with park maps, some of which work with the phone's GPS function to show your exact location and what's nearby. There are apps for park times and to help visitors choose a restaurant by cuisine and price. Others can count down the days!  
Disney is rolling out its newest version of a "know-it-all" app exclusively for Verizon Wireless phones, called "Disney Mobile Magic." It uses the GPS feature in Verizon phones to help users find character appearances, attractions, restaurants and other points of interest. It checks wait and Fast-Pass return times, provides shopping and restaurant information and even has an interactive trivia game that allows users to play against other users in the same park. The app costs $1.99 and works in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Some parks — Sea World and Tampa's Busch Gardens among them — offer to relay park news to visitors via text message. Users text a code to a designated number when they enter the park to get the texts throughout the day.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Family Vacation All Inclusive Style

Riu Caribe Hotel - Cancun MexicoImage by Pictophile via Flickr
All inclusive vacations are gaining popularity with families because they offer convenience and remove the stress from the vacation experience — especially for adults. But how do you chose the right one?
If you only look at pictures, one resort looks just as good as the next, and it is difficult to tell the difference between them. But there are good resorts and mediocre resorts and choosing the right all-inclusive makes all the difference to your vacation. Here are a few tips for selecting a destination that is right for you and your family.
- Decide on a destination first, and then look at the resorts offered there.
- Make sure the resort’s amenities and programs fit your lifestyle. For example, some resorts are designed for couples, some for singles and some for families.
- Look at the location of the resort. Is it on the beach or a few blocks from the beach? Is it in the heart of the action or is it situated along an isolated strip of coastline?
- Look at the list of resort amenities and see what is included and what costs extra. Many all-inclusive resorts include a free scuba lesson in the pool, but charge extra for ocean discovery dives, for example.
- Check for the number of restaurants located at the resort. If there is only one restaurant, you might grow tired of the food after a few days.
- If travelling with children, check to see if the resort offers a kids’ club, supervised children’s activities, babysitting, playground facilities, or a wading pool or waterslide. You should also make sure there are amenities for grown-up pampering, such as a fitness area, spa or golf course, if that is what you enjoy.
- Check the star rating in the brochure. While this rating is not uniform from one company to the next, it can serve as a guide when selecting accommodations. If you are reserving a two-star resort, expect it to be clean and comfortable, but potentially dated and lacking in amenities. A three to four star resort is considered moderate, while a five star resort should be top notch in terms of comfort and amenities.
- Do your research or contact a Travel Agent for advise.
Spending extra time making the right choice on where to stay will make all the difference in your vacation experience.

Carnival Secret - Legend

I just returned from an awesome cruise aboard the Carnival Legend.
The Legend is one of Carnival's newer mid-size ships that sails a Western Caribbean itinerary from Tampa, FL.   The port is easy to access, via airport (10 min. transfer) or car.  There are many "stay, park and cruise" hotels in the area with round trip transportation to the pier.  If you live in the Tampa area, lucky you - call a Blue Line Shuttle to pick you up at home and take you to the ship.
Some of the features on this Carnival ship include Punchliner Comedy Club featuring four different comedians throughout the cruise.  Better than karaoke, "Superstar" karaoke with a LIVE band.  Pool parties, excellent service, and fun people.

Disney Kids Stay and Play Free

Stay 4-nights with a 4-day Magic Your Way vacation package at a select Disney Value Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort.  Applies to most nights Feb. 17 – April 16, April 28 – June 14, 2011 or Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011, kids ages 3-9 stay and play FREE!*
Package includes accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort and a Magic Your Way Base theme park ticket.  Book by March 27, 2011 for travel stays most nights April 28 – June 14, 2011 and Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011.
Call me for more information 877-543-0815 or email kelly@mycruiseoutlet.com

Disney Cruise Special - Alaska

As part of each Alaska itinerary, you will experience breathtaking scenery, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. Combined with unparalleled Disney quality and service, one-of-a-kind entertainment, immersive experiences plus favorite Disney Characters, it’s a vacation experience that every member of the family!
Book a Verandah or Oceanview stateroom and kids ages 17 and under, traveling with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom, SAIL FREE* on select 7-night Alaskan cruises departing between May 3 to May 24, 2011.
Port of Calls include:  Vancouver, Canada, Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Call me for more information 877-543-0815 or email kelly@mycruiseoutlet.com

Search This Blog