Free2bMeForever

Thanks for that info. I actually chatted with GuideAlong customer service and was given incorrect info based on your experience!

I travel alone, so I don’t have a navigator and the research I did on both Shaka and GuideAlong (Gypsy) indicates that they do stories and directions, but integrate with blue tooth speakers, but NOT Android Auto or Car Play. Guess I will need to buy a holder for my phone, but it would sure be nice to have something integrated on the much larger navigation screen. Will be using the Shaka app next week on Oahu, so I’m sure I will have a better idea after that.

I would not be happy with being unable to check in prior to getting to the airport (particularly if you are traveling with someone else). If you have not flown with Southwest before, you might want to research their boarding process.

I’m definitely NOT an expert on travel insurance, but you might want to take a look at an “annual” policy rather than a specific trip policy.

Last time I flew out of FCO after a cruise, I took a shuttle bus from Civitavecchia to Termini left luggage. Not much longer (time wise) and didn’t have to worry about moving luggage to/through station/train in Civitavecchia or people trying to get on/off train at multiple stops.

The Ka Moana Luau at the Aloha Towers is “okay”. They do a few cultural activities like weaving Palm frond headbands, “lei” wristbands and som traditional instruments, but I thought the meal was mediocre. They do not have an Imu Ceremony. The space is crowded with tables, so you may or may not be able to see the dancing well. While the property is oceanfront, the stage blocks the view of the beach. The entertainment is typical: fire dancing, hula, etc. The best part of the show last year was watching a girl of about 8 do the fire dance. If it rains, be prepared to get wet (even though they hand out rain ponchos). I really can’t give any recommendations for a luau in the Waikiki area. The one at the Hale Koa is well-rated; however, it’s a US military recreational facility and need either US Armed Forces or DOD credentials to attend. The best luau I’ve attended on Oahu was at the Polynesian Cultural Center, but you really need to plan to spend most of the day there to get the full effect.

I believe most “good” luggage brands cover broken/missing zipper pulls in their warranty. I typically buy low-end Samsonite or American Tourister and have never had trouble getting zipper pulls replaced. Of course, I never consider buying luggage with the pulls that connect to the lock either 😉

They are marketing to people who are accustomed to buying things with installment payments. It’s amazing how many people think if they can afford the monthly payment, they can buy it. They do NOT consider the total cost, potential income decreases, or emergency spending requirements.

Not a “tipping” response, so off topic, but “food for thought”. I would guess that very few cruise ships are “American owned and operated.” Most cruise ships that operate out of the US are actually registered elsewhere (Caribbean, Central America, Bahamas, etc) to avoid wage and hour restrictions and US taxes.

The requirement is for specific subclass visas (including 600 - Visitor, but NOT 601 (Electronic Travel Authorization). The ETA application requires that the applicant meet certain conditions. A couple of them are regarding health: “free from tuberculosis” and “be free from any other health condition which might place the Australian community at risk or which is likely to result in significant health care costs to the Australian community.” While there does not seem to be a blanket requirement to provide proof of insurance, the website makes it clear that visa holders are “financially responsible for any health care debts” incurred while in Australia. Quite frankly, anyone (regardless of age) should have adequate health insurance or the ability to self-insure. Unexpected health events happen to people of all ages.

If you’re cruising, you should have permission slips that give you “guardian” status.

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/who-needs-health-examinations

I also found with Choice Air was that while I used to be able to book a 1 way ticket, I’m no longer offered that option. My most recent experience was that I could only book “multi-city/open jaw” flights ending up at my departure city.

Interesting… This is directly from health.gov.au International travellers to Australia Australia’s borders are open, and there are no Australian Government requirements to: give proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival to Australia supply proof of COVID-19 vaccination wear a mask, although this is encouraged. Learn more about entering and leaving Australia.

You have a number of options for contacting customer service. Call and hold, call and leave a number you can be reached when you reach the top of the queue, message them through the app, or private message through Twitter. I typically use the app to message them with great results. Good luck.

I buy The Key if there are a lot of tender ports that I don’t book ship excursions and the price is not more than $2 or 3 more than the Internet price per day. I’m Diamond+ and travel solo. If I were not traveling solo, I might rethink that metric.

I also have this question. I will be arriving in Sydney and have a 1 night reservation there. I plan to spend the next week traveling to Cairns and/or Yulara. Should I put the first night in Sydney or simply say that I don’t know?

I have reservations for early April 2024 at the Meriton Suites Sussex. I understand this is close to Darling Harbour. Is it close enough that I should consider something farther away? I’ll be in Australia for about a week before the Sydney stay and liked having the convenience of a washer/dryer in the room 😉

The ORD-LAX is FC seating, but I’m okay with that on a day flight. Seating is 2-2-2. I’ll monitor that. If it pops up at a reasonable rate, I might switch flights. Thanks for the great info and suggestions!

I was disappointed recently with my cruise air options for a transpacific cruise (SYD - HNL). The only option offered was “round trip” to SYD and then from HNL and I was able to book the flight nearly $1,000 cheaper directly through the airline. The only “advantage” was not paying until final payment. This is the first time I’ve not been able to book one way international airfare.

Interesting question. When I search United’s website, it shows no one-stop flights available. Everything showing through IAH either goes to LAX or SFO before SYD.

Thanks. Good advice about earliest flight out, but I simply can’t make myself book a 6:30 AM flight knowing it means dragging myself out of bed at 2:30 to be at the airport by 4:30 😉 If I miss a connection somewhere along the line, so be it. I’ll deal with it. I always fly into international ports at least 3 days early and typically more than that. Being retired offers me a lot of flexibility for handling delays!

Great advice. I went back and found a flight with 2 hr 54 minutes in ORD and 4+ at LAX. Thanks so much!!!

I’m planning a trip to SYD next Easter (March 31) on UA. I’ll be in business class and currently have connection options of CHS-EWR (2 hr 54 min)-LAX (3 hr 46 min)-SYD or CHS-ORD (1 hr 7 min)-LAX (6 hr 17 min)-SYD. Which option would you recommend? Both leave CHS between 10:59 and 11:35 AM. Thanks!

There was when I was there in March. By the way, the Walmart is next door to a shopping mall with a number of department stores.