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How to Pick and Plan a Cruise

September 18, 2017

I’ve never been too overwhelmed with wanting to do a cruise and while the idea has popped up a few times over the years as an option for a trip, I’ve always shied away from it for a variety of reasons. But one cruise has always been high on my list and I’m super excited to make it a reality next year when we cruise to Alaska, leaving from Seattle. I fell in love with the US’ most Northern state last year and have always wanted to see more of the coastline of Alaska from a cruise, seeing amazing scenery and enjoying it all from the water.

But when we started planning our cruise from Seattle to Alaska and back, I immediately was completely overwhelmed. Which cruise line? Which type of cabin? Which ship? What time of the year? Which ship has better food, which less kids? There were so many things to consider in order to enjoy our first cruise. So as Nick sat beside me, we spent an afternoon weeding through all the information necessary to pick and plan a cruise that you will enjoy. So if you’re in this boat too (pun intended), here’s what I suggest!

Narrow down ports you want to leave from first.

We knew we’d rather leave from Seattle than Vancouver BC just for ease of travel for us from Portland, so immediately some ships or cruise lines were narrowed out of search due to the port we chose to leave from. Pick this first, it will greatly help narrow down your search.

Then start a spreadsheet outlining all the important factors in your decision.

I started doing this research on my own and quickly realized it would be easier with another person helping as well. So Nick pulled up a spreadsheet and we started entering information as we came across it. We ended up with columns for food, experience, type of clientele, how big the ship was, what type of rooms were recommended, etc. Every important factor that we wanted for our cruise, we entered into the spreadsheet and it made it so much easier to put all the important information in one place.

Look up each cruise line and ship from that port and do your research on all of it – then add all the info you find into your spreadsheet.

I did a full day worth of research as it’s our first cruise, we knew nothing about any cruise lines or ships or anything. We wanted a cruise that was more adults than kids, one with great food and a room with a balcony. We prioritized the things we would find in our research in our spreadsheet so at the end of it, we could make a decision on which line or ship was best for us.

Look into things like families vs. couples, food choices, room choices, etc.

I researched everything I could about all the options available for the cruise we wanted to take at the time of year we wanted and from the port we wanted. I looked into the clientele on each type of ship, was it more geared towards kids and young families or large adult groups or couples. I looked into what the food options were, something that ended up being one of our deciding factors as that’s one of our favorite parts of a trip. I looked up what types of rooms were available, how much upgraded suites were, how big the balconies were and the location on the ships. All the information we gathered, then got put into the spreadsheet which in the end, helped us make out decision.

Decide which room type you want and if you’re willing to spend a little more for a balcony or special room.

We ended up splurging a bit for an upgraded room because it was a little bigger and our particular type gave you VIP access to a couple more restaurants that the normal rooms didn’t have. You have to decide which type of room you want and what you’re willing to pay for – just like a hotel, obviously when you want special add on’s like balconies or larger spaces, you’ll have to splash out more cash. For us, since it’s our first cruise and it’s a full week, we figured it was worth the extra for our situation.

Look into which sailing might work better for you, for example May vs. July.

We went back and forth between May and July sailing for a while but when I started researching it, a lot of articles said we’d see more wildlife on the May sailing versus July, plus it will be a lot less crowded than July so we went with May. But do the research to see which time of the year might be better for your circumstances.

Other Posts on our Alaska Cruise Experience

Which to Choose : London or Paris

September 15, 2017

I often get the question, if you had the choice to travel to place A or B, which would you choose? Or do you think I’d like place A or B better? And to answer that question, it really depends on the destinations you’re looking at choosing between. There are some cities that many people try to choose between if you only have one opportunity to head somewhere so if you end up having to make that choice, here’s how I’ll best help you decide in this new Land of Marvels series.

So, you’re headed to Europe and you’re wondering if Paris or London would be a better choice for you to explore and base yourself?

Well… both are two of my favorite places on the planet but if you can only pick one, here’s my best information to help you choose!

Choose London if you…

Could spend hours wandering museums – hello British Museum, V&A and Natural History
Don’t want a language barrier (if you speak English) – cheerio!
Love pub food – hand over the giant helping of fish and chips, followed by sticky toffee pudding
Don’t mind splurging a bit – London isn’t cheap but it’s worth the splurge
Want to wander large parks and green spaces – ride bike shares around Hyde Park with the locals
Like to shop – everything you could ever imagine is available in London from high street faves like Zara and Topshop to high end everything
Want to explore the UK and Ireland – Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin are all only a train or short flight away!

Choose Paris if you…

Love a good romantic spot – Paris was built for romance!
Want to learn about European history – it was Marie Antionette after all who said “let them eat cake!”
Want to be based on Mainland Europe – for easy access to trains all over Europe
Like learning French – parlez-vous Francais?
Want a slower pace – like sipping espresso as slowly as you want watching the world go by
Could spend hours wandering – cobblestone alleys are at their finest in Paris
Are more reserved – Parisians are notoriously stoic, but open up when you give them the chance
Want to use more public transportation – Paris’ metro is one of the best in the world

10 Stunning Places to Visit in Asia

September 6, 2017

Asia is a continent with a vast array of countries and landscapes, from the rice fields of Bali to the skyscrapers of Tokyo. With a population of 4.4 billion people and growing, the continent of Asia is teeming with incredible people and places to see and visit. Many people flock to Asia for an exotic escape different from the West, for rides in the back of tuk tuk’s down bumpy Indian roads or exploring ancient temples crumbling around you a la Lara Croft in Cambodia. There are many experiences to be had throughout the continent but some are better than others and these below offer 10 stunning places to visit Asia.

UDAIPUR, INDIA

Known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is one of my all time favorite destinations. Set on a series of lakes, this Indian city is a true beauty and far from the craziness of New Delhi or Mumbai. For a true retreat from everything, stay at the incredible Oberoi Udaivilas and I promise you’ll return home a new person.

Traveling to India?

See all of my posts on the country!

BANGKOK, THAILAND

From crazy traffic buzzing in all direction to night markets selling all sorts of goods on the cheap, Bangkok is a unique city, both calming and crazy all at once. You’ll be blown away by the cosmopolitan vibe of Bangkok all the while witnessing a calming Thai spirituality side by side. Don’t miss a tuk tuk ride through the teeming streets of Bangkok with a Thai iced tea in hand from a street vendor – just prearrange your fare ahead of the ride!

Traveling to Thailand?

See all of my posts on the country!

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Reminiscing on my time in Seoul during my first few years of my career, I often tell people when they ask about my countless work trips there, “I found my soul in Seoul.” Those years of traveling to South Korea often were a trying time in my young life and I did so much soul searching in the early mornings with wanders through the back alleys of Myeong Dong and late dinners over Korean BBQ in Itaewon. Seoul is a city bustling with people and modern in all the necessary ways, yet wander past the skyscrapers and modern glass facades and you’ll find yourself a world away in Seoul’s old world city. From colorful temples to hidden markets and incredible food, Seoul is a destination you’ll always remember.

Traveling to South Korea?

See all of my posts on the country!

TOKYO, JAPAN

Japan in general is a country that will sooth your soul – from the kind people to the amazing food to the amazing modernity and cleanliness of its cities. Tokyo is a city that feels large and small at the same time, bold and colorful yet also quiet and soothing – it’s a place of contradictions. The best part of Tokyo though is just exploring and taking it all in. And then at the end of a long day of seeing the city, find a big bowl of ramen and sip to your heart’s content.

Traveling to Japan?

See all of my posts on the country!

BEIJING, CHINA

China is perhaps one of the places on this Earth that felt most foreign to me, made me the most uneasy and yet I still think often about our visit to Beijing. Sometimes as a traveler, it’s important to go someplace that you aren’t entirely sure about, where no one speaks English and the language barrier completely takes you out of the game. Sometimes those barriers, those uneasy feelings of a country where you aren’t allowed to connect online with the rest of the world – sometimes those places teach you the most. Beijing is a city of contradictions, both good and bad. And while I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite place I’ve ever visited, I think Beijing is an important place to visit for another reason – to learn and understand how people live a world away.

Traveling to China?

See all of my posts on the country!

NEW DELHI, INDIA

India’s cities all have a unique vibe all their own, some populous and a cruel joke on your senses, some peaceful and quiet and easy to navigate. New Delhi is a huge metropolis spanning miles and housing 21.75 million people. And yet, in the center of the crazy traffic – and yes, sitting in traffic in India is an experience entirely different than any other place in the entire world, New Delhi also has a teeming culture and beautiful open spaces like the Lodhi Gardens.

Traveling to India?

See all of my posts on the country!

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Few places in the world that I’ve visited have touched me as deeply and as provocatively as our visit to the Great Wall of China. We made the hour drive out of Beijing early on a Monday morning, just as the snow started to fall in a rare early storm in late November. Arriving to the top of the Great Wall as the first 4 people atop of the wall for the day, snow falling around us, a quiet stillness taking over the scene way up high in the mountains on a wall built thousands of years ago – it was a spiritual experience. History has a way of taking us over, standing somewhere that so many have come and gone before and especially to experience the Great Wall of China, almost entirely empty was a travel experience that you won’t be able to forget.

Traveling to China?

See all of my posts on the country!

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

The temples of Siem Reap, Cambodia evoke scenes out of Tomb Raider, but just with more crowds. And while Angkor Wat is impressive, the crowds make it feel a bit claustrophobic. For a quieter temple exploration, the Angkor Thom temples just down the road are a relief from mass tourists and as they become encompassed by jungle, the giant carved stone faces here evoke an otherworldly feel. Suddenly, you’re transported years back when these were being used and built, a wold away than anything we can imagine. And for an even quieter visit, head here at sunset after the hordes of tourists are tired from a long day of exploring and are headed back to their hotels – you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

Traveling to Cambodia?

See all of my posts on the country!

BALI, INDONESIA

Where can you find rice terraces as far as the eye can see, the friendliest people you’ll ever meet and markets to explore for hours on end? In Bali, you’ll get all that and more, combined with gorgeous beaches, fantastic hotels and a humidity that just might melt you. And while Bali offered almost everything I don’t love like heat, humidity and beaches, something about this little Indonesian island won me over. Maybe it was the smiles on the Balinese people’s faces at every turn or the endless green of the rice fields or the incredible woodworking. Maybe it was the beauty of the countryside and the laid back vibe of life here. Whatever it is, Bali is a special special place.

Traveling to Bali?

See all of my posts on the island!

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA

No visit to India, or Asia in general for that matter, would be complete without seeing the Taj Mahal in your lifetime. This monument of love is a stunner in more ways than one, but perhaps the best way to visit is at sunrise as the fog rises off the river behind it, seeing the monument open up before your very eyes. Take in the intricate Arabic script chiseled in the stone and the luxurious tiles that line the building, see the symmetry of the architecture and the different views from all different angles. The Taj Mahal is a gem in monuments around the world and a place that will completely take you over.

Traveling to India?

See all of my posts on the country!

5 Cities Around the World I Would Move To

August 10, 2017

While I’ve seen a lot of the world, there are actually few spots that I visit that I think to myself, “wow, I could live here!” I actually love my home city of Portland, Oregon so much that not many other places can compete for a spot to live, however some places along my journeys have spoken to me in such a way where I do think I could move there. Some places just “feel” right, like maybe someday you would call that place home. So in no particular order, if the opportunity arose, here are 5 cities around the world I would move to!

Paris

My all time favorite city (next to my beloved Portland of course), Paris is a city I would move to in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose. Strolling the cobblestone streets, apartments overlooking boulangeries, what’s not to love?

London

I have always loved London and while it’s super expensive as a city to live, I would really enjoy living there. I love the feel of London and the energy, both cosmopolitan and very European at the same time.

Vienna

We only spent 24 hours in Vienna but my immediately reaction was, “when can I move here?” I loved the city so much and would love to explore more of it!

Tokyo

For a huge city, Tokyo has such a unique vibe that it makes it a great spot to move! I would love to live in Tokyo, from the amazing food options to the incredible neighborhoods. Bring on the ramen!

Amsterdam

I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Amsterdam over the years, both as a kid and as an adult and it’s a city that always pulls at me. From it’s charming canals to amazing food to friendly people, Amsterdam is a city I would for sure pick up and move to!

Tiny Provencal Towns + Fields of Lavender : Exploring Sault

August 2, 2017

With just a short time to explore Provence, for our one true full day in the area we headed to Sault, an area I had found in my research that seemed to hold everything we were looking for in traditional Provence. We wanted lavender fields as far as the eye could see, we wanted amazing little Provencal towns on hilltops, and we wanted little shops to wander through and brasseries to sit outside and sip Rosé. Well, we found all of them in Sault, a tiny little hilltop town surrounded by lavender.

We started our day mid-morning, driving from our hotel near Gordes, making our way North East in Provence. The roads were tiny and curvy, the landscapes gorgeous. Though once we turned the corner where the whole general area of Sault begins, we stopped at a pull off from the road to look down on a whole valley of lavender. Seriously, the fields were purple for as long as we could see and it looked completely surreal. Then once we descended into that valley, it was field after field of purple and I could hardly contain my excitement. We stopped at a few fields on the way to Sault and then a few more on the way back and my dream of the Provencal Summer in fields of purple lavender came true that day.

We finally made it up to the hilltop town of Sault (Sault refers to both the town and surrounding area) and spent a few hours eating in a little al fresco cafe, wandering the shops and taking in the views of the landscape around the town. It was filled with blue shutters and cobblestone and stone buildings and basically everything you could think you’d want in traditional Provence. We remarked multiple times that we’d love to come back and stay in one of these tiny towns for a week or two, just taking in all the area has to offer.

All in all, Sault was gorgeous and I would return in a heartbeat. If you’re in Provence, this is definitely not a stop to miss!