jmckay331

Well I lived in Germany for three years Belgium for 1 year and Italy for three. Here's what I noticed. British and Americans stand out... Reason 1 language unless you do not talk reason 2 shoes...this more American than British but you would be surprised how different shoes look. Reason 3 American dress more casually than Europeans ...i.e. Spend less but buy more so quality isn't always there reason 4 as a tourist you will more than likely stand out because you will be looking around trying to see and enjoy everything and that's ok just my advice while traveling in Europe is be smart especially if you are carrying a bag/purse. Keep it close to your body i.e. Cross body is best keep it zipped up completely never have a wallet in back pocket(for guys) Dress nicely but not uncomfortable. Never saw Europeans in shorts except when playing sports or working out. Women especially dress nice. Pants or skirt with nice top. Cardigan if it's chilly, tasteful jewelry if any and scarves, scarves are a popular accessory. While I saw someone say that being plus size will get you noticed anyway not sure I agree I did see plus size in Italy especially older ladies but they still dressed nice..mostly in black. One thing is also noticed particularly in Italy was women wore darker colors like black red greys, blues and men wore the pastels. Don't think I ever saw an Italian women in pastel ever. They are also in full makeup when out and about. With that said I will say I never wore shorts when going around town, usually pants and nice top and never had any issues even if our heights gave us away as not local

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As a parent that traveled overseas with kids ranging from when they were newborn to 15 I highly recommend a passport. While not required as cb at sea said for closed loop cruises. Stuff happens and it's better to be safe than sorry. I know that's cliché but it's appropriate.

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I didn't notice the folders helping me save space but maybe because I've always been an over packer. I'm traveling with a 21 and 14 inch so hoping that helps me limit myself, at least going. I'm still pretty sure I will have more than I need but I'm also packing a tote for the trip back so that when I shop I have options returning the 21 inch also expands so it can return as a checked bag

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I'm disappointed about the dining discounts as I am booked for four dining venues for this trip. I think ovation for the holidays is going full price for everything.... I do wonder if maybe I should cancel and see what my options are once on board. I just hate worrying if I'll get the time/day I want if I wait.

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Lol lady chew I like that option too may do a combo as I'm trying to travel with just two carry on pieces for this trip. It will be my first attempt at traveling light even though I have to add a cpap machine...luckily that doesn't count since its medical equipment other than something I have to lug around with me.

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I have the e bag ones. However I've heard that ikea has a super cheap set of four packing cubes of various sizes

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Lol on DH and allergy. Mine just doesn't like it. I'm a huge shellfish fan and some fish I'm just picky about types of fish since I don't like the stuff that smells and tastes like seawater. Some people think that is good fish but me not so much. I'm willing to try anything once just maybe wait to tell me what it is until after I taste it haha. Hubby is adventurous to a point as is any type of meat or veggies. I really want him to like wonderland since its spendy to "try" it out. So far great info from everyone. Enough to convince me to give it a shot. Thanks for the help

Jenn

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I like the keep it all for myself option lol

Hi all, I'm on Ovation in December and considering adding a reservation for wonderland. Can anyone tell me about the food? I'm not that picky but my husband doesn't eat any seafood so that sometimes limits our choices. I'm under the impression that you don't actually pick your menu you just get what they serve but is there at least an option to avoid seafood? Any help is appreciated.

Jenn

I agree with crzndeb. better to just get regular pedi with your own polish so you can take that polish with you for touch ups. Gel polish is actually worse in water at least for long term it tends to peel off. Regular may chip but if you take some polish wipes and a bottle for touch up you would be better served

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Think I'm going for maxi dress with sandals breezy but not dressy...enough so I can go to dinner without changing. I do have a second option of capris and nice top but I guess I know when I get there as we have a few days pre cruise and I'll see what the weather calls for when I get there :)

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We are using air New Zealand from LAX. Ended up cheaper overall than quantas which was my initial first choice. But I got business class at half what it cost on quantas so no issue with now flying through auk on the way to Sydney

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USAA is your best bet if you are member, that's who we went through for our cruise and they seemed to have best cancellation rules plus they were actually cheaper than many of the other ones I looked at...privilege of being member I guess. Too different levels, if you are within 30 days of booking then you get cancel for any reason plus pre existing medical condition coverage. But even after 30 day timeline coverage is pretty comprehensive.

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I've learned the hard way...had to cancel trip twice in past and while cruise excursions etc were refunded the flights and hotel were just lost...went ahead and bit the bullet this time around and bought insurance..if nothing else I have peace of mind

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Ok I almost find this funny. Especially since I would consider Haiti and Mexico to be more dangerous than Europe. Yet folks hit those spots on cruises all year round. I lived in Germany for 3 years, Belgium for one and Italy for 3 years. Traveled to everywhere I could while there. Never really worried about terrorism except right after 9/11 and I was living in Germany. It was a bit tense for about a year. Some of that was because we were military living in foreign country so military limited our travel for awhile. Overall Europe and the Med are phenomenal places to visit. Great people, great food, great things to do and see. I miss living overseas..[emoji17] as for traveling right now just need to be aware of real hot beds not inflammatory news hotbeds. Just be careful when traveling and don't make yourself a target. I would be more worried about pickpockets than terrorists.

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Not sure what OP was trying to accomplish in his headline or comments other to make other people hate someone like he does. Honestly when it comes to terrorism there is only so much you can "predict" most governments are actively watching folks that seem like risks but they aren't omnipotent so stuff happens. There are threats against the US (and other countries) daily. Some are just threats and some are labeled credible threats. If every business stopped operating because of threats then they would go out of business. There are always gonna be high risk areas like any mass transportation because it's high volume target. Best bet is to be prepared for something without allowing it to stop you from enjoying life. As for inflaming comments about how much someone cares or doesn't care about safety, maybe they should be informed more about terrorism and threats. Part of the problem for most is that they just can't understand why. I hate to say this but we won't ever really understand why because terrorism isn't logical it isn't effective as a "war" tool and often it is full of a rage that most cannot identify with.

It is very doubtful that any business person in charge just doesn't care about safety of their customers. Does it happen...sure there are one-offs you hear about. But in today's social media environment it doesn't take long for folks to figure out an ostracize a company for unsafe practices. So, OP, you are entitled to your distrust and dislike of someone you felt lied to you. You are allowed to voice your opinions; however, make sure that when you do they are not solely based on emotional responses to someone you don't like rather an informed opinion. Overall this thread has become a bit too inflammatory to be "helpful" I hope the OP feels better after venting and can just let it go. If not then maybe a different type vacation or staycation might be better. I for one will keep vacationing where I want and just pay attention to the travel threat website, not the news as that is all skewed for ratings, so that I know my risks going forward.

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So everyone seems to agree a day early at least. I would agree. Barcelona is so beautiful and would add a lot to the experience. I say go a few days early and enjoy. City architecture is unusual because of Dali so you should definitely check it out. You won't regret it

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Ovation will be in pacific so Asia and Australia. There are a ton of med cruises but usually on the smaller ships (relative). August is generally the European holiday month due to heat mainly (I think). But there are still cruises then...your best bet is to look at the sailings in August of this year because 2017 should be fairly similar, with some exceptions.

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http://www.travelsmith.com/travelon-underseater-carry-on-bag/luggage-bags/carryon-luggage/10927 this is actually the perfect bag. You might be able to find it cheaper on Amazon like I did. I got the set for around $60

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Athletic tape is a great way to support the boobs. UTube has a ton of videos on different ways to apply it.

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That's a good question. I guess depends if it's categorized as a specialty coffee or cocktail. Hhmmm...curious drinkers wanna know

Viator has a two day combo package that includes a day trip to blue mountains and feather dale it's actually very reasonably priced. The actual tour company is grey line

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June will be busy at Vatican I've seen lines wrap around the building during summer months and it's hot. Tough to say what it'll be like for sure just be prepared for crowds and traffic that way if it's light it will be nice surprise.

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I've booked with viator several times...easy to use and to cancel if necessary saw refund right away. However they are only a booking agent so you still have to go directly to tour operators to finalize details especially if there is hotel pickup involved.

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i think if wine is your main interest you should get the premium. Regardless you can upgrade at any time once on board. As long as you have four days left on cruise you can add to