excursions Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

How to Save Money on Your Dream Cruise Now

Paula — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 13:03:25 +0000

Cruising is expensive, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be at all. In fact, it can be the most economical way to travel for couples and families, even for multi-generational groups. We have taken numerous cruises now and just returned home from our most recent. Each cruise vacation I learn a little bit more. You saved a lot of money for your cruise. Maybe you also had to save a fair chunk of the trip budget for air travel. That alone can be a budget killer, especially if you are Canadian as we are. Flights from Canada are expensive often. But there are many ways to save on your dream cruise. On this particular recent Carnival cruise I returned home and was super impressed with myself. Why? Because this was the cruise I spent the least money on. We travelled on a smaller, older ship which was way more affordable than the newest in the fleet. And, we have figured out several simple ways to save money on a cruise. So I thought it was time to share that information. Here are 9 Ways to Save Money on Your Dream Cruise: Just Say No To On Board Excursions: Don’t buy on ship excursions. Oh to be sure we have done this in the past and enjoyed them. But, as a travel blogger I feel pretty confident directing my own schedule, exploring and finding fun affordable ways to build a great cruise vacation. So this time I didn’t book any of the cruise ship excursions. Instead we hopped off the ship at each port. In Nassau we shared a cab to Atlantis and paid for admission for the day. Then taxied back. That saved a minimum of $100. In Key West we went into the city and hopped a tour bus. Saved money there too. SKIP The Drink Packages Say no to the cruise drink package. I like a celebratory drink and I enjoy a good bottle of wine with a well thought out meal (that I didn’t cook) but we simply do not ever drink enough to get out money’s worth out of the drink package. We have learned this one. On the first cruise we did we bought a drink package. I did the math and we didn’t get our money’s worth. Never again. NO Need for POP packages On that same note say no to the kid’s pop packages. There’s juice and milk and water available everywhere. That is healthier anyways. We paid for pop one night. The kid’s clubs often had soda pop and snacks so they got it there anyways. NO EXTRA Meals – Say no to the extra restaurants. There are more than enough options on board that are included in the price you paid to be there. No need to spring for the un-included restaurants. Literally you could eat almost all day and night somewhere without paying the extra fees for the premium restaurants. Unnecessary. Skip the Extra Tips Check your invoice every time you buy something extra at dinner, or at the bar. Tips probably already included on there so don’t double tip – unless of course the service was extraordinary. One MODEST Wireless On Board Package Go ahead and get one of the wireless on board packages for Internet. ONE. Just one. Do not buy them for everyone ever. Also you don’t need the premium. If you can get away with it don’t bother at all. But I need to check my emails on occasion. This time I got one slim package for $60 and I let the girls use it once or twice. One at a time is the rule and that saved money. Also it saved me extra worry about roaming fees. No Extra TV or Movies: Don’t indulge in the extra movies and shows on TV. Stick to the shows that are included. All the little things add up and you don’t need a massive bill at the end of your dream cruise. Plus honestly you shouldn’t be in your room that much. Skip the Pictures: You know that photographer that follows you around? It’s their job to try and gather as many pictures as possible and then sell to you throughout the cruise. Pick a couple at most. There’s no real need to buy any of them. Your phone probably takes photos that are just as good or better. Trust me I have learned from this one. On our first cruise I couldn’t bear to leave any behind. BUT, where are they now? I still don’t have them framed. However I did use some of the ones from my own phone and had those turned into framed canvases that hang on my gallery wall. That makes me happy and so does saving money for my next dream cruise. NO Signing Privileges for Kids: DO NOT attach your credit card to your kid’s room keys. Do not give them signing privileges. TRUST ME. Nobody needs to pay for $50 of THE CLAW in the games room trying to win a MINION. There might be a story there. (WINKS) Only the adults get signing privileges on my dream cruise. Cruising is one of my all time favourite family travel options. Why? It’s very affordable, when you do it properly. That means saving for your dream cruise and planning, then following some simple rules while there. Now I am not suggesting that you never take an on board excursion again. But there are dozens of ports where you will be just fine to do it on your own. Use good judgement always.

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Five Favourite Western Caribbean Cruise Ports

Paula — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 11:43:25 +0000

The western Caribbean is one of my favorite areas for cruise ports. With an abundance of natural beauty, friendly locals, amazing sights to take in, and endless adventures awaiting, the western Caribbean has some of the best cruise ports imaginable. I’ve put together a list of my favorite ports in the area. If you are planning a cruise of the western Caribbean be sure to take note of these ports. Western Caribbean Cruise Ports that Always Deliver My family and I have enjoyed all of these wonderful spots, some on several occasions. They rarely disappoint. These ports offer all the grand scenery we expect in the Caribbean, as well as a great vibe and opportunities to make life long memories. Belize In the extremely exotic Belize, you will find a HUGE range of activities and sights to see. With gorgeous beaches to the east and dense jungle to the west, Belize is home to rich wildlife on both land and see. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on the beach, snorkelling, diving, as well as exploring the wonder of nature and the Mayan ruins found there. Highly recommend the Belize Barrier Reef snorkelling experience. It is well worth the cost and the time. One of our favourite excursions ever was that time we snorkelled with nurse sharks and stingrays in Belize on New Year’s Eve Day. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Grand Cayman is the jewel of the Cayman Islands. This largest of the Cayman Islands boasts gorgeous, white sand beaches, fine dining, exciting nightlife, beautiful reefs, and more. Its famous Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, and Botanical Park are all must see attractions. Traveler Tip – Do NOT Miss the Turtle sanctuary. I will return. Roatan, Honduras Roatan, an island about 65 kilometers off the northern coast of Honduras, is a western Caribbean paradise just waiting to be explored. Of course, you’ll find the white sand beaches that are so well-loved in the Caribbean. Unbelievably lush, Roatan also boasts amazing diving areas, gorgeous flora and fauna, and great excursion options. Such great memories of waking up here one morning on our first ever cruise, spying the turquoise blue waters and beach right beyond our balcony stateroom. Magic! Cozumel, Mexico A mostly untouched island off the coast of Mexico, Cozumel is a must see port in the western Caribbean for diving enthusiasts. Although, it boasts white sand beaches, resorts, dining, and all of the things we love about Caribbean travel, Cozumel really shines for diving. There are diving spots around sections of the Mesoamerican Reef, the Museo Subacuatico de Aerte’s submerged sculptures, and the Chankanaab eco park. A diver’s paradise. Ocho Rios, Jamaica No post on the western Caribbean would be complete without at least one stop in Jamaica. Ocho Rios is the tops for me. This lovely area features amazing shopping, dining, and natural beauty, Ocho Rios really delivers. Enjoy horseback riding on the beach, swimming with dolphins, and relaxing on incredible beaches. Or have an epic lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area. Do some shopping or get your hair braided. We’ve been to Jamaica several times and we love it. Jamaica is one of the most family friendly areas we have visited. Our memories of the first time we took the kids to Jamaica are special. I will never forget how the Jamaicans treated our girls and nicknamed them “Baby Girl!” and “Fish.” Western Caribbean Cruise Ports You Must Visit The western Caribbean is an oasis of both natural and man-made beauty. You really can’t go wrong with any port in the area. That being said, the cruise ports I just listed are the ones in the western Caribbean that you absolutely should not miss. They are some of my personal favourites and they boast some incredible excursion opportunities as well!

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The Turtle Nesting Walk in Hobe Sound, Florida

Paula — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:16:57 +0000

It’s a sunny, humid, June morning. I kickstart my day by exploring Martin County, Florida on my own, at least until an afternoon rainy spell erupts. The highlight of my itinerary today is a turtle nesting walk in Hobe Sound. My ride, Nerissa, from the Martin County Tourism office, picks me up for dinner. I’ve been looking forward to this Turtle Nesting Walk from the moment I landed at Palm Beach International Airport. Hobe Sound, Martin County Florida Turtle Nesting Walk We take a leisurely drive through Jupiter Island, an extremely wealthy area of Martin County where celebrities, an ex-president’s family members, and athletes are known to have palatial homes that are well monitored and hidden behind high walls. It is an immaculate area, manicured and well maintained. We spy a cyclist or two getting some exercise. I can’t help but laugh over a couple of signs at the ends of driveways declaring these otherworldly retreats comical names that don’t match what’s hidden behind the trees and fences. My Shack. Beach Getaway. Summer cottage type names for houses that are mansions. Lining one of these meandering roads on Jupiter Island are Banyan trees that arch over to greet each other in the middle forming a picturesque canopy with a southern feel. They are beautiful but hard to capture in a moving car. We are on our way to Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, where two nights a week trained conservationists run a turtle nesting walk. In Hobe Sound, the nighttime sea turtle nesting walk is done on the public beach Thursday and Friday nights. There are also two other organizations in the area that do similar sea turtle nesting walks: the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Centre and Florida Power and Light. These tours are family friendly and very popular so book one as soon as you get there, or before you leave your home. You can find more details about these at: discovermartin.com [tweetthis]TRAVELER TIP: You should do these walks with conservationists trained to safely do sea turtle walks. #LOVEFL [/tweetthis] In Hobe Sound Turtle Nesting Walk – educational for the entire family We meet our group at 8 p.m. and are told these nights can be quite late. Be prepared to return home around midnight or potentially later. There have been some late nights recently, says the executive director of this non profit organization. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge also offers day camps throughout the summer for children and the public can explore the trails during the day. There’s a small gift shop inside the main building. A few creatures and fish are inside small aquariums in a clean, well lit, space staffed with volunteers. If you spend much time in the region, you can buy a yearly membership to Hobe Sound and visit at your leisure. We move to a different building for a brief presentation and the executive director gives us a lesson on sea turtles in the Florida area along with some history of the breeds that have been endangered or threatened. Turtles weigh hundreds of pounds depending on what type and how old they are.. The nesting process is perilous and quite an ordeal. When female turtles are ready to nest they travel hundreds of miles, waiting until after dark to drag their huge bodies onto the shore where they dig a two foot deep hole or egg chamber and lay 100 to 150 eggs. They then cover them over, pat the sand down and camouflage their nests, erasing any immediate impressions of where they buried the eggs. Then the female turtles leave. Two months later the eggs hatch and the tiny new sea turtles make their way to the shoreline on their own. Night is the time when most sea turtles do their nesting. That is necessary in order to avoid predators and humans. [tweetthis]Of the 7 types of sea turtles found worldwide 5 can be found nesting on Florida beaches. #discovermartin #LOVEFL[/tweetthis] The five types of sea turtles that are common to these south east Florida beaches are: Loggerhead, Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green and Kemp’s Ridley, which is the smallest of the five. Adult sea turtles travel tens of thousands of miles. Most are migratory and despite having relatively small brains, will return to the precise beach where they were born to lay their eggs when they are old enough to lay. After the presentation ends, we gather near our cars and drive to a pavilion by Jupiter Island Beach where we wait for word from the turtle spotters watching the beach and shoreline for activity. Around 10 pm one of the turtle spotters, a volunteer and conservationist, uses a walkie talkie to indicate she has spied a loggerhead turtle on the beach looking for a nesting spot. About fifteen minutes later she has found the spot she will lay her eggs and started digging a hole. We walk slowly without any lights or phones. Bright lights can cause turtles to become disoriented and drop their eggs or flee to the ocean. Occasionally bright lights left on by homeowners or cottage owners can confuse the turtle’s sense of direction and they can end up on the road. That jeopardizes the species and the entire nesting process. A group of about 30 of us walks by the shoreline so we do not trip over or startle any other sea turtles that might suddenly appear. We range in ages from 5 up to about 75. There are a couple of multi-generational groups traveling together too. The nesting walk is a great activity for grandparents to do with the kids and grandkids. It is educational and affordable. Up ahead there’s a volunteer turtle spotter holding a red flashlight. The red light is allowed on the turtle nesting walk, but it is also not to be aimed anywhere near the turtle’s head. We spy the turtle. She’s a large loggerhead girl with several barnacles on her shell and she’s already laying. At this point she has already dropped about 50 rubbery eggs into the egg chamber in the sand. They drop in twos and threes sometimes and stay put there as she occasionally rests. We learn that when she lifts her back flippers that means eggs will drop again. The turtle spotter tells us that the eggs line her entire body right before she is about to lay them. Some eggs can take great effort to expel if they are up higher in her body. People are reminded to stay back from her head. We stand and crouch along her sides and back watching this incredible process. It is magnificent to watch something so large and prehistoric looking as she nests. Her job is a big one. The many species that lay their eggs here on the beaches off Florida are threatened. Every two weeks of this season the turtles here will lay. Because they are a threatened species these turtles are monitored, and conservationists like these ones report each time they spot a new nest, plus the type and location of the nest. That work will be done in the morning. About 1 in 30 nests are marked. If they marked every nest the beach would be nothing but turtle nest markers with no spots to sit. That’s how many nests there are this time of year. Sea turtle nesting season is March 1 to October 31st on the Atlantic side and May 1st to October 31st on the Gulf Side. This turtle is somewhere between 175 and 350 pounds. She is spectacular. [tweetthis]Never leave holes in sandy Martin County beaches. Sea Turtles can fall in & get hurt. #LOVEFL #discoverMartin[/tweetthis] This particular loggerhead is efficient, at least until we realize she has fallen asleep. The turtle spotter explains that these gals lay all summer every two weeks and she might have already done this several times this summer. The same volunteer gently wakes her back up without touching her. Then the turtle carefully and artfully camouflages her eggs. She spends a good 10 to 15 minutes just doing that, shifting her large shell and body sideways, and forwards and back, dragging herself so that she erases any indication she has been laying eggs here. It’s stunning how much effort she gives the process of hiding that egg chamber from predators. In about two months, these eggs will hatch and the babies will find their way to the ocean. That hatching often happens at night, but it’s possible people could be sitting on their lawn chairs or beach blankets right beside them when they suddenly hatch. Every volunteer has a story about being surprised by sudden sea turtle hatching and some have also seen the occasional turtle nesting in broad daylight. Baby loggerheads live their lives in the ocean and migrate miles and miles around the world. When small, they hang out for a few years in floating seaweed just off shore until old enough to swim in coastal waters. The mother turtles never meet their babies. When the hatchlings are grown up and ready to lay their eggs they will return to this same spot. This area of Martin County Florida has about five of the worlds seven types of sea turtles. About 90 % of them return to nest here. Traveler Tip: Bring Bug spray, wear long pants and long sleeves and bring a poncho if the weather looks like rain. Do not be skimpy with the bug spray. I covered my legs and sprayed a lot of bug spray on and my ankles are still itchy from the bug bites. This sea turtle nesting walk out of Hobe Sound was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had while traveling. I have always wanted to see this process. I once contemplated visiting Mexico to see hatchlings make their way to the sea, but then this trip to Martin County, Florida came about. This turtle nesting walk is an experience I will never forget. I recommend this as a multi-generational and education experience for the entire family. Kids need to be able to be calm during the beach portion of the nesting tour so this might be challenging for some. The night we did this there was a family of children that were captivated and really well behaved watching the process. The youngest looked to be about five. There were teens who needed to be reminded to stay off the beach prior to the walk however. So be sure your kids can handle the lateness, the waiting and the rules involved. My kids are 12 and 14 and they would have LOVED this. I would return another time to take them to see this. Traveler Tip: Do Not Use Flashlights on the beach or Flash photography. The light scares the turtles and sometimes means that the turtle will run back into the ocean or drop the eggs and run off. Also it can cause them to become disoriented. A few of the members of our group disappear right after they snap pictures. The bugs are heavy but we stay because this is a once in a lifetime kind of tour. As we watch the water wash over the massive turtle we start quietly back to our cars walking by the shoreline again. We get about 50 feet down the shoreline when the director warns us to stop. Our eyes are adjusting to the dark and we can just make out the shape of another huge loggerhead turtle creeping slowly out of the ocean and onto the sand. I look around wondering how many more will do this throughout the night. We pause and respect her right of way, making sure we all leap over the tracks or do our best not to trample them. This is a night I will not forget. I am astounded to have seen two of these creatures, known to have lived during the dinosaur age. It is even sweeter to have witnessed this on their terms, in their natural habitat. Sea Turtle Nesting Walk in Hobe Sound: The sea turtle nesting walk in Martin County, Florida is something everyone should experience. These tours are also available in Indian River County near Vero Beach. I was a guest of Martin County and Indian River County while in Florida and have been working with them to tell these stories. I have received perks, accommodations, tours, flights, meals and other compensation. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful.

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Canopy River Tubing #wordlesswednesday #pvpresstrip

Paula — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:37:00 +0000

Canopy River Tubing is the subject of this photo essay today. At the end of a brilliant day spent zip lining and swimming with dolphins, Payton, my 12-year-old, at that time, had the chance to tube down a river in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The excursion was at Canopy River, and it was a solid two hours adventure. Highly recommend. More about that later. Together we travel often as a family but this was one of our first ever Mother – Daughter Trips. Wordless Wednesday is a photo meme. Link up your recent photos, or a photo that is meaningful to you. Doesn’t have to be as exciting as Canopy River to be a great photo.

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