Totally Vacations
Travel stories & inspiration
Personal travel experiences and ideas for your next getaway.
Travel Apps Worth Downloading Before Your Next Vacation
You can plan a trip for months and still end up standing on a street corner wondering which bus goes to your hotel. Or checking out of your room at 11 a.m. when your flight doesn't leave until 8 p.m. Eventually somebody will need a bathroom immediately.
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How to Plan a Group Cruise Without Making It Your Full-Time Job
A cruise with your favorite people sounds great. Nobody has to cook, and you can visit several places without changing hotels. Then you volunteer to organize it. Suddenly you’re answering questions about cabins, kids’ activities, and why Aunt Linda can’t leave on Thursday.
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River Cruises vs. Ocean Cruises: Which One Should You Choose?
When someone mentions a cruise, do you picture a ship heading toward the Caribbean or a smaller boat passing castles along a river? Both let you unpack once and see more than one destination. After that, they're different vacations. Price alone won't tell you which you'll enjoy.
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The Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers: Finding Your Kind of Cruise
Going on a cruise by yourself can sound a little intimidating, especially if you've always traveled with family or friends. Who will you eat dinner with? Will you feel out of place at shows? And why does a cabin for one sometimes cost almost as much as a cabin for two?
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Cruise Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
Packing for a cruise is a little different from packing for a hotel stay. You might spend the morning at the pool, go sightseeing in the afternoon, and have dinner somewhere nice without ever changing hotels. Then you're standing in your cabin wondering where to put three suitcases.
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10 Cruise Destinations Worth Considering for 2027
Trying to choose a cruise for 2027? Start with what you want to do when the ship stops, not just the photos of the ship itself.
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Luxury Cruising on a Budget: How to Get the Best Deals
Luxury cruising can be expensive. But the advertised price isn't the whole story. A smaller ship with good dining, attentive service, and drinks included might cost more upfront but leave you with fewer charges later. On the other hand, a beautiful suite on a mainstream ship might give you everything you want without p
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Hidden Costs of Cruises: What to Budget for Before You Sail
You find a seven-night cruise at a price that seems surprisingly reasonable. The ports sound fun, and you're ready to book. Then you start adding drinks, excursions, gratuities, and a hotel the night before departure.
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