When it comes to family cruises, there is enough variety to please anyone. If you want a tropical paradise or an Alaskan adventure, youll find what you are looking for. Finding the best family cruise for you is only a matter of doing a little homework first.

Family cruises are a great way to do something exciting and not just the same old traditional vacation trip. Are your children fed up with theme parks? Do you find yourself less than enthusiastic about another road trip? If you answered yes to this question, then your family is due for a change. When you go on one of the family cruises that are available with most any major cruise line, your entire family will get the kind of vacation they want.

Family cruises let you relax and have fun with your family. This Guide will provide information about what you should consider when planning a cruise vacation.

Finding inexpensive family cruises that are within your budget is easier than you may realize. If youre trying to keep your costs down, then check out the family cruise packages that are available with most major cruise lines. Just use the Internet to find out about all the different family cruises that are available. When you come across one that looks like it might be the right one for you, pay close attention to all thats offered.

A great alternative to the predictable extended family get-togethers are family reunion cruises. For this situation, it is important to select a cruise package that has a variety of activities to suit everyone in your family. There are so many activities available on most cruises that you will never fit everything into your schedule. Taking one of these family cruises will keep you and your loved one excited and talking about the details for a long time.

And just because you have a baby or toddler doesnt mean you should rule out family cruises. Many cruise ships will make a baby crib available in your cabin, and some also provide child care facilities for very young children. Children who are slightly older will have their choice of quite a number of activities. Cruise ships offer fun activities like games and contests, parties, escorted tours, and many others. And for adults, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied too! Swimming, dancing, fine dining and casinos are just a few activities offered.

If youre thinking of family cruises, you should check out the ships medical facilities and its cancellation policies. But you will probably be pleasantly surprised when you realize that family cruises have thought of every detail, so all that you have to do is relax and have fun with your family.

There are a lot of different reasons why family cruises make perfect sense for your next vacation. Besides being able to spend some one-on-one time with your family, theyre a great value and youll just plain have fun. And the hassle that comes with hosting family get-togethers is lifted when you opt for a family reunion cruise. And since cruises sail at all times of the year, its easy to coordinate them with everyones schedules. An added bonus on family cruises is catching up on a little romantic time with your spouse, while your kids are having the time of their life.

We hope that you enjoyed reading this article. If you are looking for additional information on family cruises or cruise travel for families, please be sure to check out our website.

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The ultimate A-Z packing list for travelers heading for vacation

Every successful vacation starts with a packing list and luggage that’s right for the trip. By drawing up a packing list, you can prepare ahead of time and have the confidence of knowing you are unlikely to leave anything important behind. Having a vacation packing list will allow you to stay organized, and hopefully prevent you from packing items that you don’t need on vacation or are too heavy to carry.

I recommend that couples divide their vacation packing list into three categories: His, Hers, and Ours. If you’re going on a trip of any length, you may find that having three suitcases - his, hers, and ours - and a carry-on with mutual valuables - is the way to go.

Top Tips for Packing - What to Take

Clothing

- Choose clothes appropriate for the climate. If you are going somewhere warm and leaving a cold climate consider leaving a set of warm clothes in the car if you are leaving it at the airport, or with friends if you are being collected.

- Stick with one basic colour scheme preferably a dark one which won’t show marks and wrinkles so much.

- Make clothing items do double duty, men’s shorts can be double as swimming trunks, a woman’s tankini top can be an evening top. A shirt can layer over a dress in place of a jacket.

- Take multiple thinner items which can be layered instead of one bulky heavier piece. Thermal underwear is fantastic for cooler climates.

- A sarong can be the most useful item you take doubling as a skirt, dress, shawl, beach towel, top sheet and a tablecloth. You can even use it as a bag in a pinch!

- Shoes are always difficult: heavy and bulky. Try to wear your heaviest/bulkiest pair on the plane. I try to limit myself to 3 pairs: a pair comfortable for walking extended distances, a pair of sandals or flip flops and a dresser pair for evening!

Other Items

- A travel alarm if you don’t have the function on a watch or cellphone that you are taking with you.

- Prescription medicines and a copy of the prescription in case you loose your bags. If you need glasses to see make sure you have a back up: an old pair, contacts or prescription sunglasses.

- Toiletries: take a minimum. If you are only going on a short trip take sample sizes or buy small containers and decant some to take with you. If, however, you are traveling for a long time then don’t take 6 months supply - you can buy almost anything anywhere these days.

- Liquid soap and shampoo can be used interchangeably - you don’t need both. You can buy solid shave soap which is lot more compact than carrying a shaving foam aerosol.

- If flying don’t take brand new bottles of liquid - the liquid will expand slightly as the lower pressures on the plane and leak - use each bottle once to avoid this problem. Creams and aerosols are OK.

- Make sure your toiletries bag is actually waterproof - a surprising number aren’t and bottles do break.

- Credit cards -preferably two in case one is lost or broken or eaten by the ATM.

- Details of your insurance policy. Important phone numbers or email addresses of medical specialists, family, work, anyone you may need to contact if something occurs to delay your return.

What Not to Pack!

- Anything you are taking “just in case”. If you happen to get a last minute invite to the Queen’s Garden Party in England ladies will need a hat - take the opportunity to go shopping!

- A cellphone unless you know it work at your destination and you know what the roaming charges are.

- Anything electronic unless you are sure you can plug them in / charge them at your destination.

- Anything you are sentimentally attached to or is particularly jewellery - you may have it stolen but far more likely you may just misplace it or leave it behind.

How to Pack your Bags

- Before you start lay everything out on a spare bed or other space so that you can see it all. Now might be a good time to reassess what you actually need to take!

- Start collecting items a few days early - particularly if you are taking out of season clothing this is easy to do. If you are taking items you are regularly wearing it will remind you to add them to the pile as you launder them and to stop you accidentally wearing them before departure! Remember that what you are wearing on departure day is included in the pile too!

Tips for Packing a Backpack

- To get the correct weight distribution heavier items should be near your back and higher in the pack.

- Use plastic bags or packing cubes to keep similar items together.

- Pack electronic and breakables near the centre padding them with clothing. Putting small items inside socks can work.

Packing a suitcase

- Place heaviest items at the bottom, especially for pull along bags this adds stability.

- Pack fragile items towards the centre.

- Fold similar clothes together e.g. all trousers, all shirts folded together to minimise creasing and pack efficiently

What to Carry on the Aircraft

- Check what is provided by the airline before taking a lot of stuff on board. Many international airlines, particularly Asian carriers, provide an enormous number of TV channels, movies and audio options, even in coach class. There is no point bringing the DVD player or Ipod on board with them! Others typically American carriers and budget airlines provide nothing, but entertainment can be hired for a reasonable fee -which might save you carrying a DVD player all trip just to entertain the kids for the return flight!

- Also check for food and drinks service - same applies - its struggle not to over-eat on airlines such as Singapore Air, Cathy Pacific and Thai

- Be cautious of bringing food on flights into Australia and New Zealand, there are substantial fines for importing banned items, even inadvertently, they take their agriculture industry seriously there.

- Carry on sufficient clothing in case your luggage goes AWOL for 24 hours. If you are going to a beach location or a hotel with a pool you might want to include your swimsuit as well

- Carry on essential prescription medicines and their prescriptions, spare glasses if you need them. A book or two in case of delays.

- If you are taking a laptop you will need to carry it on Also make sure that you can power it up if you are requested to do by security. If you have a camera or video I carry those on two just to protect them from damage or theft

Other Tips before Leaving Home

- Arrange for mail to be held or collected by neighbours. Let your neighbours know if you are going to be away.

- Inform your insurance company you are going to be away - you can void your policy if you leave the house unoccupied without telling them.

- Think about any bills that may come due while you are away and make arrangements - you don’ want to come home to discover the power has been cut off!

- Check the fridge / kitchen for perishables and dispose of them. Take the garbage out!

- Clean- there is nothing worse that coming back to a dirty house - especially if you are already depressed about coming home! Even better arrange for cleaning service while you are away!

- Arrange for suspension of services you are paying for but won’t be using: pay-TV, broadband Internet and the 2 obvious ones.

- Consider your home’s security - consider a timer to turn lights on/off, ask neighbors to park their car in your drive, use your washing line. Arrange for a security patrol. Inform your security monitoring company that you will be away. Leave an emergency contact number with key people.

Media

- Cellphone and charger (compare prices)
- Digital camera (compare prices), batteries, memory cards, manual
- iPod (compare prices) /MP3 player and headphones, batteries, mini-speakers
- Camera case
- Foreign-language dictionary or phrase book
- Journal/notebook and pen
- Maps and directions
- Mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs
- Reading material
- Travel guide(s)
- Underwater camera (compare prices)
- Medical

Antibiotic cream

- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Band-Aids
- Birth control
- Bug repellent
- Cortisone 1% anti-itch cream
- Extra pair of eyeglasses
- For cruisers: Sea-sickness bands or pills (compare prices)
- Lubricant (compare prices)
- Pain reliever
- Prescription medicines

Money & Documents

- Addresses for sending postcards/e-mail
- Auto insurance card
- Business cards
- Cash
- Copy of marriage license
- Copy of medical history, if necessary
- Copy of vacation packing list
- Driver’s license/international driver’s license
- Emergency numbers and embassy address
- Frequent flyer/frequent guest cards
- Paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
- Passports and visas, if necessary
- Photo ID
- Pre-paid phone card
- Travelers checks and receipt (keep separate)
- Vaccination certificates, if required
- Vouchers/coupons/tickets
- Your itinerary
- Miscellaneous/Extras

Anti-bacterial wipes
- Bubble bath
- Binoculars
- Currency converter
- Duct tape
- Keys
- Krazy Glue
- Lint roller
- Luggage locks approved by TSA (compare prices)
- Massage oil
- Plastic Zip-Loc bags
- Playing cards
- Q-Tips
- Sports gear (tennis racquets, golf clubs, swim goggles)
- Sunscreen/SPF
- Sunglasses
- Travel alarm clock
- Travel candles
- Umbrella
- Zip ties (vendor’s site)

Menswear

- Athletic shoes (vendor’s site)
- Belts
- Boxers / Briefs
- Casual shirts
- Dress shoes
- Hat
- Oxford shirts
- Pants
- Pajamas / Robe
- Sandals
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Sports jacket
- Swim wear
- Tie
- T-shirts / Undershirts
- Workout clothes
- Men’s Toiletries
- Comb / Brush
- Deodorant
- Floss
- Lip balm
- Rogaine (compare prices) , if necessary
- Shaving kit / Shaving Cream
- Shampoo / Conditioner / Styling Products
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash

Women’s Clothing and Accessories

- Bathing suit
- Bras
- Panties and/or thongs
- Lingerie
- Costume jewelry — earrings, necklace, bracelets
- Fake diamond engagement ring (leave the real one in a safety-deposit box till you return)
- Dress
- Heels
- Pareo/sarong/big scarf
- Robe
- Sandals
- Shorts/Capris
- Skirt
- Slacks
- Slip/Bodyslimmer/Spanx (compare prices)
- Sneakers (vendor’s site) or walking shoes
- Socks
- Stylish shirt
- Sweater
- Straw/wide-brimmed hat
- Tank/halter/sleeveless tops
- Workout clothes
- Sundries
- Baby powder
- Blow dryer/straightening iron
- Comb/Brush
- Cosmetic case/makeup bag
- Deodorant
- Depilatory
- Eye Shadow
- Lipsticks
- Blush
- Mascara
- Makeup remover
- Facial cleanser
- Moisturizer/SPF
- Tampons
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Shampoo/conditioner/styling products
- Scrunchies
- Tweezers

A vacation packing list is especially important when you’re traveling to a new place for the first time.

While most items left behind can be secured elsewhere, you may not have the time or budget to shop for them on your vacation.

It’s unlikely you’ll need everything on this A-to-Z packing list, but I’ve tried to make it as comprehensive as possible to help you get organized. Obviously, the same vacation destination may not call for both a bathing suit and gloves or mittens…but you never know. It may occur to you that I’ve left jeans off the list. In tropical climates, they’re too hot to wear. In Europe, they’re too informal. But if you’re going to some place casual, pack a pair. Good luck, and happy packing.

In the worst-case scenario, your luggage disappears. Forever. But if you have a copy of your vacation packing list on you - or leave a packing list with a trusted friend or family member while on vacation, you’ll have a complete record of any loss.

Book your vacations from Funjet Vacations and Apple Vacations

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Although probably the theme park capital of the world, a vacation in Orlando, Florida does not mean these are the only attractions to keep visitors amused. Orlando also has markets, shows, art galleries, exhibitions, beautiful lakes and parks, all easily available for the visitor who wants something a little different. Everything a visitor could possibly want is here and the reason why people return year after year.

If you enjoy shopping then you will love Orlando, quite apart from the Orlando vacation resorts. Orlando has plenty of malls and stores like Outdoor World which is so large it contains a 17,000 gallon aquarium and you could spend all day there. Of course this article can only brush the surface of what you can see and do on an Orlando vacation but there is so much more than just theme parks that it would be a shame not to mention them.

If you are an animal lover then you must visit the Central Florida Zoological Park in Sanford which was opened to the public in 1975 and houses a collection of over 400 hundred animals. Even though it is privately owned, it is run by a charitable group with the intention of providing classes for children and protecting species that are only found in Florida and other world wide exotic animals.

For anyone that appreciates the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany then a large collection of his works is exhibited the Museum of American Art, where it has been housed since the early 1940’s. The collection is the most comprehensive anywhere with Tiffany jewelry, art glass, ornaments, pottery, paintings and leaded glass.

Orlando is certainly a city for all age groups and not solely designed for the amusement of children as family and adult attractions are in equal numbers. For the young at heart, a vacation in Orlando aims to please with extensive evening venues including music and dance at Disney’s incredible Pleasure Island and Universals version, City walk, to name just a couple of places.

Another great place to visit about twenty minutes drive from Orlando Airport is The Orlando Science Center, originating back to 1955; it is a huge complex with over two hundred thousand square feet of exhibition space spanning ten halls. If your preference is in railways then the International Trolley and Train Museum on International drive will be a pleasant surprise with 14 trains running continuously and three waterfalls in a space of about 4,000 square feet.

For something a little different there’s the Titanic Exhibition which tells the story of the ill fated Ocean Liner performed by a character from the ship; the displays contain some original salvaged items and at times the tour is very moving. Away from all the hustle is the wonderful Lake Eola Park in the heart of downtown - it has beautiful sidewalks in over forty acres where it is possible to spend a few peaceful hours during your vacation in Orlando.

However, there aren’t that many visitors who visit Orlando without a trip to one of the four main Disney theme parks or the equally impressive Universal studios; where a person’s age really doesn’t matter. Everyone that takes a vacation in Orlando wants to return and experience more of the attractions it has to offer.

For interesting facts info information on orlando vacation resorts, keep up to date on how to enjoy a vacation in orlando at the online travel guides.

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Panama is a popular Latin American tourist destination. This country offers
Unrivalled tourist attractions. A spectacularly rich biodiversity makes Panama a
Magnet for eco-travelers too. The country’s name means “abundance of fish and
butterflies” -but howler monkeys, sloths, manatees, crocodiles and rare quetzals
share the jungles and lakes, too.
This is what makes people come back time and again to Panama.

Facts & Figures

Panama is a 75,990 square km land area. The official language is Spanish.
However, many Panamanians speak both Spanish and English.

Panamanian weather is pleasantly tropical, and uniform throughout the year.
Nights are usually cool. The average temperature is 27 degrees C.
Panama has two weather seasons: rainy and dry.
The former stretches from March to December.

The time in Panama all year long is the same as the EST (GMT -5).
Panama does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Panama’s Tourist Attractions

Islands and Beaches

Panama offers an exquisite view and experience of nature at its best. Panama has
Coasts on two oceans: the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. These coasts, although
Different, are suited for all sorts of activities with the different beaches and
islands found in them. World famous beautiful beaches and islands will make your
visit unforgettable!

Caribbean Sea: On the Caribbean coast, the beaches on the provinces of Colon,
San Blas and Bocas del Toro and their neighbouring islands, are small to
mid-sized and all of them have coral reefs nearby,
They are often near other waterways and most have been formed by coral buildup.
These are the best beaches to do some scuba diving in.

Pacific Ocean: On this coast you’ll find a series of beaches which are easily
Accessible from the Pan-American Road. Many water sports including windsurfing,
surfing and swimming are practiced here. The most popular of these are: Gorgona,
Coronado, San Carlos, El Palmar, Rio Mar, Corona, Sea Cliff, Santa Clara, Playa
Blanca and Farallon.

Panama Canal

Considered one of the Eight Wonders of the World, the Panama Canal is one of
the most fascinating places in the world, where human genius and skill join to
link two oceans and bring the world closer together.

The Panama Canal has a length of approximately 80 kilometers between the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Between 13,000 and 14,000 ships use the Canal
yearly, thanks to the work of approximately 9,000 workers, working 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year, offering transit service to ships of all nations.

The Canal uses a locks system that act as water elevators raising the ships
from sea-level (Atlantic or Pacific) to 26 meters above sea-level (Gatun Lake).
Each set of locks carries the name of the town where it was built: Gatun
(on the Atlantic side), Pedro Miguel and Miraflores (on the Pacific).

The narrowest part of the Canal is Gaillard Cut and it stretches from the Pedro
Miguel Locks to the southern tip of Gatun Lake in Gamboa. This stretch is
approximately 13.7 kilometers long. Take a mini cruise through the Canal and
then check out the Visitor Center in Mira Flores, the ideal place to see the
Canal operating. This installation, recently open to the public, has large
balconies from which visitors can see the locks open and close as the ships
begin or end their transit. Four exhibition rooms, organized by themes, are the
main feature of the Visitor Center. Exhibitions are dedicated to Canal history,
the importance of water as a source of life, the Canal operation and it’s place
in worldwide trading.

Tropical Rainforest

Panama is an ideal country for direct contact with the tropical rainforest.
The only capital in Latin America with a rainforest less than 10 minutes away
from downtown and with easy access to three national parks.

If you would like to go into the tropical rainforest, Panama offers national
parks declared Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage. Rainforests with the
widest variety of flora and fauna in the world (Darien) where we can find over
10,000 plant species and over 1,000 bird species.

Colon Free Zone

In a separated area of 400 hectares the Colon Free Zone is located at the
entrance of the Panama Canal in the Caribbean sector, in the province of Colo
and is considered the second largest of its kind in the world and the first in
the Western Hemisphere. Due to its unique geographic location and easy access
to four major ports, considered the most advanced in Latin America, this is
truly an International Shipping Center.

Also, located next to it, Visitors can find transportation services such as
France Field Airport, a Railroad Terminal, access to the Panama-Colon highway,
cruise terminals and a ground transportation terminal.

The Colon Free Zone is a Global Logistical Center. Its commercial transactions
generate US$ 11,000 million in imports and re-exports. With over 400 hectares
its more than 2,000 companies and more that 250,000 annual visitors reflect the
success of the Colon Free Zone.

Traders and investors can find: The existence for the International Banking
Center, the efficient maritime infrastructure, the largest center for collection
and redistribution in the Americas, the use of the US Dollar as currency,
security both within and around the area, great exhibition rooms,
warehouse and commercial outfits. A great workforce, both specialized and
low cost, a great number of tax incentives and a sophisticated communications
network are just some of the factors that contribute to ease the operations from
the Colon Free Zone and make this the ideal place for International Commerce.

Staying In Panama Made Easy

Getting to Panama is easy with all the transportation modes in this country.
There are land, water and air transportations operating in Panama. Staying in
Panama is also a burden off the shoulders of tourists. There is a wide array of
hotels and accommodations in Panama. These hotels suit any type of budget and
needs. They range from economy to luxury.

Indeed, there are countless reasons why tourists simply love Panama. With all
the attractions and complete comfort, there is no better “home away from home”
destination than Panama.

Young is the owner of iTravel Forum. You can find more information at itravelforum.com.

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