A few things worth knowing before you book.
Some practical, no-nonsense tips from what I've learned planning cruises, city breaks and family holidays.
Getting the most from a cruise
Excursions: independent or through the ship?
Shore excursions booked through the cruise line cost more but guarantee the ship won't leave without you if it overruns. Independent tours are usually cheaper and more personal, but carry a bit more risk on tight port days. Worth weighing up per stop, not applying one rule to the whole trip.
Check the gratuities policy before you sail
Most cruise lines add a daily service charge automatically, and it varies by line and cabin type. Knowing this upfront means no surprises on your final bill.
First cruise? Start with an inside or oceanview cabin
A balcony is lovely, but it's a bigger spend for a first trip. An inside or oceanview cabin is a great way to find out if cruising suits you before committing to the upgrade next time.
Pack a small bag for port days
Somewhere to keep your cruise card, a bit of cash, sun cream and your phone means you're not carrying everything by hand every time you get off the ship.
Making a short trip feel longer
Pick your base by transport links, not proximity to one sight
A hotel near a metro or tram stop usually saves more time overall than one that's only walkable to a single landmark. You'll likely be moving around more than you think.
Book timed tickets for anything popular, in advance
Major attractions in most European cities now sell timed entry slots online. Booking ahead avoids losing half a morning to a queue.
Two full days is enough for most cities
You don't need a week to get a genuine feel for a city. Two full days, planned well, usually beats four days rushed and exhausted.
Leave one block of time unplanned
The best part of a city break is often something you stumble on, not something on the itinerary. Worth deliberately leaving room for it.
Keeping it smooth with kids in tow
All-inclusive isn't just a luxury upgrade
With kids, it's often the easiest way to keep costs predictable and avoid the daily "can we get this" negotiations that add up on a self-catering trip.
Ask about kids' club age ranges before booking
They vary a lot from resort to resort, some split by narrow age bands, others are more relaxed. Worth checking if it actually suits your children's ages, not just that a kids' club exists.
Direct flights are worth the extra with younger children
A connection might save money, but with toddlers or young children the time saved not managing a layover is usually worth more than the difference in price.
Tell me the ages, not just "we have kids"
A holiday that's brilliant for a five-year-old can be the wrong fit for a teenager. The more specific you are, the better the options I bring back.
The practical bits people forget
Check passport validity rules early
Many countries want at least six months of passport validity left from your date of entry, though the exact rule varies by destination. Check the specific requirement for where you're going on gov.uk's foreign travel advice as soon as you've picked a destination, not the week before you fly. If you need to renew, you can do that directly on gov.uk.
Take out travel insurance as soon as you book
Not just before you travel. Cover for cancellation only helps if it's in place before something happens, not after.
Send me a rough budget upfront
It genuinely isn't awkward, and it saves everyone time. It means I bring you options actually within reach, rather than a shortlist you have to whittle down yourself.
Half an idea is a good starting point
You don't need a fully-formed plan before getting in touch. "Somewhere warm, sometime in autumn, nothing too hectic" is plenty to start with.
Check gov.uk before every trip, not just once
Gov.uk's foreign travel advice covers entry requirements, local laws, vaccination recommendations and safety updates for your specific destination. It's worth a quick check when you book and again closer to departure, advice can change.