Kavonda Rogers

Argentina Travel Tips

January 10, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Argentina Travel Tips

Argentina is an amazing country with culture and history. Not to mention mouthwatering food and unique wines. Below are all the things you need to know before you take a trip to Argentina. If you never gave Argentina a thought definitely put it on your bucket list.

A Little History

The history of Argentina dates back thousands of years, with the first human settlements beginning on the southern tip of Patagonia 13,000 years ago. The indigenous people here and in the Pampas were advanced hunters and gatherers and included the Yamana and the Tehuelches. The country’s history has been tumultuous over the years with political instability, military coups, exiled presidents, territorial disputes and dictatorships.

Currency

The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the currency unit for Argentina. The Peso symbol is the same as the dollar sign ($). The Peso is subdivided into centavos; 1 Peso is equal to 100 centavos. The previous currency of Argentina was also called the Peso; however, the currency evolved and fewer zeros are currently being used.

People traveling to Argentina can use a credit card in many locations, as long as it’s a Visa, American Express, Mastercard or Diners Club, which are commonly accepted throughout the country. However, some places prefer that customers pay in cash, or they simply charge more to use a credit card, sometimes 5 to 10 percent more. Many places don’t accept credit cards at all, such as museums, trams, taxis and other public transportation options. Most sit-down restaurants and hotels do accept credit cards, though a tip usually cannot be added to the bill.

Debit cards are generally issued by international brands such as Visa with Electron or MasterCard with Maestro. These cards function through the ATM networks of Banelco and Link in Argentina. Debit cards in Argentina can be used to make payments at businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, clothing stores, etc. Businesses that allow payments by debit card can be

recognized by the debit card logos on their establishments.

Related: Secret Spots in Argentina

Weather

Argentina’s climate ranges from the great heat and extensive rains of the subtropical Chaco in the north,through to the pleasant climate of the

central Pampas, and the sub Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea in the south. The main central area is temperate, but can be very hot and humid during summer (December to February) and chilly in winter. The most pleasant times to visit Buenos Aires are September-November and February March. The city is best avoided in January,when the heat is at its most intense and many of its residents flee to the coast leaving behind a comparative ghost city.

Tech & Communication

Argentina has a telephone density of about 20 private phones per 100 people. There are also some 12,000 public telephones. Deregulation of the telecommunications industry is ongoing, and service and infrastructure have improved dramatically. Companies such as AT&T, MCI, and

Sprint can now provide long-distance service to a limited degree. There are currently 40 earth stations that support the telephone system’s microwave relay complex and 3 earth satellite stations.

Emergency Numbers

Travelers should note that 107 is the general emergency number for immediate health or medical help. Ambulance services can also be acquired by dialing this number.

Related: Argentina Travel Info

Language

Although Argentina’s official language is Spanish, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English and French.

Indigenous languages that are spoken today include Mapuche, Guarani, Aymara, Toba and Quechua.

LGBT Travel

Despite the strong influence by the Catholic Church, Argentina is one of the most gay friendly countries in Latin America, and arguably, the world. It was the first country in the continent to legalise gay marriage in July 2010, which also included full adoption rights. This made it the

2nd in the entire continent (after Canada) and 10th in the world. The right to change legal gender has been in place since 2012, and in the same year, legislation was introduced adding life imprisonment to hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Big cities

in Argentina have fun gay scenes, particularly in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba and Mendoza. Even smaller cities like Puerto Madryn are popular gay hotspots.

How to Get There

There are 1,359 airports in Argentina, although only 142 have paved runways. Buenos Aires has 2 major airports. The first, Ezeiza International

Airport, is the main point of arrival and departure for most international flights. Most domestic or regional flights, including those to Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay originate from the second major airport in Buenos Aires, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.

Must Do Activities

Iguazu falls with Helicopter

Hike to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy – El Chaltén

Dance until Sunrise on a crazy night with new friends

Ride Across the Andes from Argentina to Chile

Partying in Córdoba

Mendoza – Wine tasting

Take a tango lesson

Learn more Spanish

Must Try Foods

Milanesa

Choripan

Llama steak

Argentine ice cream

Locro

Asado

Humita

Provoleta

Empanadas

Alfajores

Must Try Drinks

Milanesa

Choripan

Llama steak

Argentine ice cream

Locro

Asado

Humita

Provoleta

Empanadas

Alfajores

Best Instagram Photo Spots

Glaciar Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz

Quebrada de las Conchas, Salta

Buenos Aires, CABA

Cerro Fitz Roy, Santa Cruz

Bariloche, Río Negro

Parque Nacional Los Alerces, Chubut

Valle de la Luna, San Juan

Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia

Wrap Up

Are you planning to travel to Argentina? If so share with me below when you are traveling and where. I would love to know.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Secret Spots in Argentina

November 29, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Top Secret Spots in Argentina

If you’re traveling to Argentina, then you must already be aware of its size. Argentina is a massive country covering the entire southern tip of South America. In fact, the country is close in proportion to the whole continental United States. With so much space to travel to, there are plenty of locations that fall off the ‘must-see’ radar of typical travelers. These secret spots are usually exclusive for locals, but they’re all easy enough to get to when you put the work in to find them. If you’re a fan of off-the-beaten-path styled traveling, you’re in the right place.

The Shipwreck at Tierra del Fuego

Tierra Del Fuego, otherwise known as ‘the end of the world,’ is located at the very end of South America, and is home to a legendary shipwreck. Along the coastline, brave explorers will find a rusted ship lodged in the sand, partially out to sea. The ship is known as the “Desdemona” and is located near Cabo San Pablo. This secret spot may be hard to get to, but the view of the wrecked ship makes for some spectacular photography.

A Secret View from Patagonia

In the charming little mountain town of Bariloche is a secret mountain hike that takes you up into the mountains of Patagonia. The hike can be tackled by even novice hikers and is particularly rewarding thanks to the number of viewpoints scattered along the trail. When you finally reach the peak, at Cerro Llao Llao, you can take in breathtaking views of Nahuel Haupi Lake, and the surrounding vast mountain landscape.

Related: Best Things to Do in Maldives

Venture to the Marble Caves

Nestled along the border of Argentina and Chile is a network of caves carved into a mountain range. The caves are made entirely of marble, and thanks to eons of erosion have created arching passageways that can be traversed by boat. The marble caves is a spot that even seasoned travelers of Argentina don’t visit, so don’t expect too much of a crowd.

The Ancient Stone Carvings of Argentina

If you’re a fan of ancient history, you’ll certainly enjoy the prehistoric stone sculptures of men and animals known as Menhires. Made of granite, and initially carved by the indigenous Tafi people, the Menhires offer an interesting view into ancient history. These unique carvings are located on an archeological reserve in El Mollar in the province of Tucuman.

Related: Must Do Things in Bali

Exploring the Secret Spots of Argentina

There is plenty more to see in Argentina than what you can find on a travel brochure. With so much land and so much history, it’s easy to see why locals have tried their best to keep these secret spots secret. Although, if you respect the land, and are conscious of your safety, you can enjoy these places just as much as the locals.

Wrap Up

Are you considering a trip to Argentina? If so tell me about it in the comments below. Also, if you gave already been tell me if you have been to any of the places on my list?

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Cruising to Alaska

November 15, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Cruising to Alaska

Cruising is the fastest growing travel segment in the United States. Why? Mainly because of the enormous amount of bang you get for your buck and because you unpack once and see several destinations. Many travelers have Alaska on their bucket list whether it be by land or cruise. We are going to explore why cruising to Alaska may be the best way to explore the area.

A Once In A Lifetime Trip

Alaska is considered to be one of the last frontiers of the world and the 49^th state in the union is a gem of the world. It is a land of ice, bald eagles, mountains, grizzly bears, and the epitome of the American spirit. One of the best ways to see Alaska is by cruise and there are a couple of different ways to see this land. The variations include the type of ship and whether you want to tour the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska.

Related: Explore Alaska

Large Ship vs. Small Ship

Cruise ships are cashless societies. This means that you will need to apply a form of payment to your cabin (sometimes called staterooms). This will be in the form of a debit card/credit card or you can add cash when you board the ship. This will allow you to use your cabin key to make purchases all over the ship and have them charged to your room. Just make sure you keep track of your spending.

Gulf Of Alaska

These cruises go through south-central Alaska. There are 3 different start points for these cruises, Steward, Whittier (both are near Anchorage), or Vancouver. You will go through most of the same ports as you would if you were touring the Inside Passage, but these cruises are one way. They travel north or south depending on where you start your trip.

Some of the stops on these cruises include:

A few days before the cruise or after it in, either, Anchorage or the Kenai Peninsula
College Fjord- which is dotted with amazing glaciers
A few days in Denali National Park

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

Inside Passage

When a cruise is going along this path it will run from the narrow strip near the Canadian border all the way to the Panhandle (which is the beginning of the Gulf of Alaska). This option runs round trip out of either Vancouver or Seattle. This cruise option is the most popular and many of the sights that you will see on this cruise are going to be very similar to the ones that are included for the Gulf of Alaska option. Sights that may be seen include:

Juneau- the capital of Alaska
Ketchikan is a great location for fishing and a look into the life of Native Alaskans
Glacier Bay National Park
Skagway- a gold rush town with a lot of history

Alaska should be on your list of possible cruises. There are amazing sights, beautiful landscapes, and experiences that you will not see anywhere else in the world. It comes down to taking your time to figure out which one of these itineraries is right for you. Figure out what type of excursions you want and the experience you would like to have on the ship. These will be the factors that will help to determine which is best for you.

Don’t hestitate to call or email me if you have more questions. I would love to help.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Dominican Republic Travel Guide

November 1, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Dominican Republic Travel Guide

The Dominican Republic is an amazing island in the Caribbean. It has a party atmosphere but some of the most beautiful shoreline and beaches. If you are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? Let us guide you through all the info you need to know before your visit.

History

The eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, now known as the Dominican Republic, is the earliest of all the European colonies in the western hemisphere. The settlement of Santo Domingo is established on the south coast in 1496 by Diego Columbus, younger brother of the explorer. It becomes the main base for Spanish activities until the conquest of Mexico.

Before Christopher Columbus arrived, the indigenous Taínos (meaning ‘Friendly People’) lived on the island now known as Hispaniola. Taínos gave the world sweet potatoes, peanuts, guava, pineapple, and tobacco – even the word ‘tobacco’ is Taíno in origin. Yet the Taínos themselves

were wiped out by Spanish diseases and slavery. Of the 400, 000 Taínos that lived on Hispaniola at the time of European arrival, fewer than 1000 were still alive 30 years later. None exist today.

Around 1930, the Dominican Republic found itself under the control of the ruthless dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina, who ruled the country until 1961. The civil war of 1965, the country’s last significant period of strife, was ended by a United States-led intervention and was

followed by the authoritarian rule of Joaquín Balaguer, the leader from 1966–1978. Since that time, the Dominican Republic has moved steadily toward representative democracy and has been led by Leonel Fernández for most of the time after 1996.

Money

The Dominican monetary unit is the peso, indicated by the symbol RD$ (or sometimes just R$). Though the peso is technically divided into 100 centavos (cents), prices are usually rounded to the nearest peso. There are one- and five-peso coins, while paper money comes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 pesos. Many tourism-related businesses, including most midrange and top-end hotels, list prices in US dollars, but accept pesos at the going exchange rate.

Credit Cards issued by a bank in your home country (Visa, Master Card, American Express) are accepted at most tourist establishments, restaurants, and shops. However, you will find that many local restaurants here on the north coast do not take credit cards – strictly cash. The reason is they are charged a large tax if they accept a credit card, making it better for them financially to simple handle cash transactions.

Major debit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa) are accepted at all Dominican Republic bank machines. Charges can be stiff – $5 per transaction.

It’s always a good idea to carry around some cash for small expenses, like cab rides, or for that rare occasion when a restaurant or small shop doesn’t take plastic, which can happen if you’re dining at a neighborhood joint or buying from a small vendor. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere.

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are common in the Dominican Republic and are, without question, the best way to obtain Dominican pesos and manage your money. Banks with reliable ATMs include Banco Popular, Banco Progreso, BanReservas, Banco León and Scotiabank. Most charge ATM fees (around RD$195 on average); it’s worth checking with your domestic bank before you travel whether there are additional fees on their end. And there’s a range of frustratingly low maximum withdrawal limits – BanReservas is RD$2000 and Banco Progreso RD$4000 – and limits to the number of withdrawals per day. As in any country, be smart about where and when you withdraw cash. Most ATMs are not in the bank itself but in a small booth accessible from the street (and thus available 24 hours).

Climate

The Dominican Republic is an all-year destination; the temperature remains constant almost year round. The annual average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius (77°Fahrenheit). Rainfall is very seasonal. The wettest months are October through to April in the north, with May to November being rainy season in the south. The south can also be struck by hurricanes during August and September. The best time to travel to the Dominican Republic is between November and April.

Electricity

Power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 110V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Technology & Communications

Telecommunications in the Dominican Republic can be more reliable than electricity. Although, providers in the DR often receive complaints

about their standards of service. Even so, internet service is widely available in the Dominican Republic, while not on the cheap side. Claro, Tricom, and Telecom are the main providers. Cell phone services in the Dominican Republic are average for a Caribbean country. Cellphone and landline coverage are good for most towns and cities. Beyond that, coverage can be nonexistent. Therefore, only around 15 – 20% of the country has coverage. Furthermore, only major locations like Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Maco, and Punta Cana have partial 4G coverage.

Related: Best Resorts in the Caribbean

Infrastructure & Transportation

Infrastructure in the Dominican Republic is poor and unevenly distributed but is being improved. In overview, cities, and towns that attract tourists have a well-developed supporting infrastructure. On the other hand, rural and more remote areas receive little support. The country’s

Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), in power for the past decade, has made country-wide improvements. These include road systems, availability of air travel, ports, and telecommunications. It has primarily invested in towns that attract tourists. The five main highways in the Dominican Republic are well paved and maintained and connect all major cities to the coastal tourist zones. Like any developing nation, many roads branching out to the smaller towns remain unpaved and in poor condition.

Emergency Services

The number for the English speaking tourist police (CESTUR) is +1-809-200-3500. In Santo Domingo.Santiago and the north coast (including Puerto Plata) the number for all emergency services is 911. In Punta Cana-Bavaro.the number for emergency fire and ambulance services is +1-809-455-1551 and in Samana, the number for emergency fire and ambulance services is +1-809-538-3763.

Language

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic although some English and French are spoken. There are variants of the Spanish language are spoken in different parts of the country. The commonly used Spanish dialect in the country is the Dominican Spanish. Dominican Spanish is a subset of Caribbean Spanish based on Canarian and Andalusian dialects of Southern Spain. It also borrows some words from the Arawak language.

LGBT Travel

Related: Dominican Republic Tourism

Religion

Due to the great migratory flows, the Dominican Republic currently counts with a great variety of creeds being a country which allows religious freedom. The most practiced one is still Catholicism, since more than the 50% of the Dominican population practice this faith. It is followed by the Lutherans and the Atheists. Furthermore, you can also find religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Islam or China’s Traditional Religion, among many others.

Getting There

The Dominican Republic has eight international airports, five cruise destinations and a variety of marinas for boats and yachts of all sizes, as well as smaller airports for private planes. Because this is such a large and diverse island, it is important to choose your arrival airport to coincide with the final destination of your stay. Major airports in the Dominican Republic are Punta Cana International Airport, Las Americas International Airport (Santo Domingo) and Puerto Plata International Airport.

Driving

Drivers and all passengers are required to wear seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Turning right on a red light after stopping is allowed. The speed limit is 120kph (75mph) on highways, 80kph (50mph) on main roads and 40kph (25mph) in small towns and villages. If driving in rural areas, take extra caution as some roads have potholes, speed bumps and people walking along the roadside, especially near populated areas. Make sure to top up petrol when given the chance as petrol stations can be far apart.

Bucket List Locations

Take a Kitesurfing Lesson in Cabarete Bay

Dive the Marine Caves at the Gri Gri lagoon

Hike Mount Isobel de Torres and take a cable car down

Go on a white water rafting adventure on the Rio Yaque del Norte in Jarabacoa

Rappel down a series of 27 waterfall cascades in the Damajagua area

Paragliding at Jarabacoa

Family Travel Highlights

Splash around the Dolphin Island Park

Explore the ChocoMuseo

Take a Safari into the Interior of the Island

Zip-Lining in the Monkey Jungle

Visit the Santo Domingo Aquarium

Foods to Try

Pastelitos

Lorico

Chimichurri

Chivo

Moro de Guandules

Mangu/Salami

Dulce de Leche

Tostónes

Sancocho

La Bandera

Drinks to Try

Refreso Rojo

Batida De Lechoza

Brugal

Presidente

Mamajuana

Photography Hot Spots

Punta Cana

Playa Dorada

Santo Domingo

Lake Enriquillo

Eastern National Park

La Romana

Best Souvenirs

Taino Crafts

Dominican Painting

Dominican Jewelry: Larimar, Amber, Blue Amber

Dominican drum: Tambora

Are you ready for a trip to the DR? I hope so. If you need some help choosing the best place for your Dominican Republic vacation feel free to contact me today. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop them in the comments below. Also, if you want more tips and info about all things travel sign up for my newsletter below.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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5 Things You Must Do in Maldives

October 25, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Top 5 Things You Must Do in Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most sought-after honeymoon and vacation destinations by travelers worldwide. With more than 1,000 islands, this country offers crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, sunny skies, and a plethora of activities visitors can enjoy.

There’s so much wonders to explore in Maldives. Because of this, planning your itinerary can be a daunting task. You would not want to miss out on the popular spots and activities while you are there.

To help you out, here are the top 5 things you must do in Maldives:

Explore the City of Male

Male is one of the world’s smallest capital cities. You can actually stroll around the entire city in just a few hours! Male is a home to many interesting mosques, museums, and colorful buildings. Popular places you can visit in this city are its Islamic Centre, the National Stadium, the National Art Gallery, and Sultan’s Park.

Related: Things to Do in Bali

Visit Mahibadhoo

Mahibadhoo is located in the southwestern part of Male. Locals work together to keep the island clean by volunteering to clean once a week. There are still no “bikini beaches” in Mahibadhoo, but there is a good snorkeling spot right off shore.

Go diving in the Banana Reef

This reef is one of the first discovered in Maldives and is a protected marine area. Banana Reef is admired internationally for its beauty and the incredible diving and snorkeling experience it offers.

Related: Maldives Tourism

Eat, eat, and eat

Aside from the sights and beaches, one of the best things Maldives has to offer is its delicious and incredibly fresh food selection. Some popular restaurants you can check out are the Royal garden Cafe, Irudhashu Hotaa, Symphony, and the Seagull Cafe.

Do some watersports

The water in the Maldives is great for a ride! Whether you want to ride a banana boat, try parasailing, or water skiing – you are sure to enjoy a thrilling time.

Ready to plan your complete Maldives itinerary? Honeymoons and Vacations by Vonda can help you prepare for a vacation you will surely remember with the best rates possible. Send us a message and let’s discuss!

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

October 18, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island that is a territory of the United States. This makes it very easy for American citizens to travel there because they will not need to have a passport. A driver’s license will do the trick. This makes it an accessible way to travel to the Caribbean on a much smaller budget because international travel can be expensive.

It is a land with a vibrant culture and beautiful people. Here are 7 things to do in Puerto Rico that will allow you to truly see what Puerto Rico has to offer its’ visitors.

1. Water Fun

No matter where you are going to in the Caribbean, the beaches and ocean are an important part of the trip. In Puerto Rico, areas like Culebra, Vieques, and El Yunque are great places to visit. Culebra is the perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Flamingo Beach in Culebra offers the perfect backdrop for your snorkeling and diving adventure. Vieques is the home of a beautiful bioluminescent bay and El Yunque is the location of the only subtropical rainforest in the United States.

2. An Old Spanish Fort

Castillo San Cristobal is a 500-year-old Spanish fort that was erected in order to protect the Spanish interest in their New World colony. This fort was the largest that the Spanish built in the New World as it was 6 stories tall and took up 27 acres of real estate on the tip of the island overlooking the ocean.

3. Festivals

Puerto Rico is an island that knows how to party, and they know how to do it well. There are festivals that are going on every month all year long. There are even festivals and celebrations that go on all year. These festivals are highlighted with parades, music, food, drinks, and dancing. They are a convergence of Puerto Rican culture. The best months for these festivals are December and January and daytime is the best time to experience them. At night, they have a tendency to get a lot more crowded and rowdier.

Related: Puerto Rico Travel guide

4. Great Drinks

Puerto Rico is considered to be the King of Rum and they embrace the moniker. There are amazing innovative mixologists all over the island that are using Puerto Rican rum and native fruits (like passion fruits, mangoes, papayas, and more) to create a perfect taste of Puerto Rico. Many of these mixologists also compete internationally so they are a lot of fun to watch work too. There is everything from great drinks to beautiful paired drinks and courses, you can find it all.

5. The Food

The “Dining Capital of the Caribbean,” this is the way that many Puerto Ricans refer to their homeland. Their cuisine is a harmonious blend of Taino (the native people of Puerto Rico), American, and Spanish cuisines. These different influences combine to generate amazing dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains) and arroz con gandules y lechon (rice with pigeon peas and pork).

6. Bacardi Rum Factory

The Bacardi Factory in Puerto Rico is the largest in the world as this factory can bottle up to 100,000 bottles a day. Aside from just touring the factory itself, you can also go on a tasting tour. This tour allows visitors to learn all about the rum, the bottling process, and the different flavors and tastes that Bacardi manufactures. It is an important part of Puerto Rico and it is a lot of fun.

7. Old San Juan

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and Old San Juan is the colonial remnants of San Juan’s days as a Spanish colonial city. Old San Juan is the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. It’s brightly colored buildings and cobblestone streets give it an old-world feel at your fingertips. You can go on guided tours to learn of the over 500 years of history of this area of the city. Aside from colonial history, there is amazing food and bars all over so that you can make a whole day out of your visit to Old San Juan.

Related: 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations

Hurricane Maria destroyed much of Puerto Rico and it has been a long, hard road to rebuilding. The resilience of the people of Puerto Rico is evident when you see how far they have come since then. Tourism is an important part of their economy and it is an important part of how they are rebuilding their island, one brick at a time. Your fun trip to Puerto Rico is not just for you, but for the Island of Puerto Rico itself. If you are looking to plan a trip to Puerto Rico I would love to help.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.

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30 Carnival Cruise Tips

October 11, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

30 Carnival Cruise Tips

Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. I have been on several cruise lines but this post is all about Carnival Cruise tips.

If you planning a Carnival Cruise or if you are just a cruise addict looking for more tips this is the place for you! We have gathered 30 of the best Carnival Cruise tips and hacks for your next cruise.

Embarkation/De-embarkation Tips

Don’t Forget Your Documents

When you arrive at the port make sure your boarding passes, and Identification (passport or birth certificate and id) are on your person and ready to show to any employees who might ask.

Explore alternatives to Port parking

Port Parking is pricey. Some ports charge as much as $40 a day. Yikes. There is hope. Make sure you research off site parking for the port you are traveling to and save some money. Also, most offsite parking areas offer free shuttles to the port.

Tip the Porters. Yes, really!

The porters are a lot more connected than you may think. Obviously, they load your luggage onto the carts to be put onto the ship. Which is why you want to tip them so you can make sure you get your luggage early. Secondly, they also know the best doors to enter and which lines you should get in for best service. So, tip them at least $1 a bag.

Flight delays can cause you to miss your cruise.

Don’t cut it too close on your flight. If you end up with a delay you can miss your cruise entirely. If you are worried about this happening; fly in a day early.

Self-service your luggage.

When it’s time to exit the ship carry your own luggage. People who take their own luggage get off the ship earlier. This is especially important if you are pressed for time or have an early flight.

Beverage Tips

Leave the Bottle Water at Home

Bottled water is not allowed on cruise ships (cue terrible video of man demonstrating how to smuggle liquor via water bottles). You are allowed to bring on a 12 pack of can soda or juice boxes for the kids. Just limit it to one pack per person.

Wine, anyone?

You cannot bring beer and alcohol onboard a Carnival cruise ship with you, but you can bring one 750ml bottle of win person. If you choose to do this make sure you bring a cork screw to avoid the corkage fee.

Carnival’s Cheers Program

Carnival’s alcoholic beverage program is called Cheers. It includes alcohol, mock-tails, juices, sodas, and premium coffees. Currently, it is priced at $52 per person per day. The cost allows you to have up to 15 drinks per day. The only down side is that all adults in a stateroom have to purchase the plan.

Alcohol Alternatives

If you aren’t an alcohol drinker there are plenty of options onboard. Some are free and others not. Free options include: filtered water, tea (iced and hot) and coffee. Paid options are: sodas, mocktails and premium coffee drinks. If you are big on sodas don’t miss Carnival’s Unlimited Bubbles program that allows you to get unlimited sodas and juices.

Drink of the Day

Every day there is a drink of the day on the ship. They usually come in some type of souvenir glass. That glass allows you to refill the drink at the various bars throughout the day at a lower cost. If you want to keep your drink tab low then check out this option.

Big Water Drinker?

If you are a big water drinker then consider pre-ordering bottle water from Carnival. Currently, a case of water can be ordered for $4.50 a person and they will be delivered to your stateroom the first day of your cruise.

Pack a Re-usable cup.

Bring a re-usable cup and fill it up with your free beverages and sip away throughout the day. It’s a great way to save some money.

Related: Things to NOT Take on Your Cruise

Dining Tips

Try specialty restaurants on day one.

The specialty restaurants (steakhouse etc.) offer specials for cruisers who chose to eat there are on the first night. So, if you are flexible for dinner try one of the specialty restaurants on the first night.

No Limits

If you are eating in the Main Dining Room (MDR) you can order food with no limits. If two entrees catch your eye…order both. Want two desserts? Order two. Just make sure you order everything at the same time so all your food will be piping hot.

Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly

If you are Vegan or Vegetarian this is a great cruise line for you. There are menu items, buffet items, and casual restaurant items for Vegans and Vegetarians. You can also go visit the Maître D and let him know you are Vegan and your servers will offer your alternatives. Carnival is also gluten free friendly as well.

Kid Faves

Kids and Big kids love the unlimited ice cream and pizza onboard all Carnival ships. Recently they have even added frozen yogurt to their ice cream machines.

Sea Day Brunch

If your cruise has a sea day (a day you are not at a port) then make sure you go and partake of the sea day brunch. During the sea day brunch there is a special menu in the dining room and there is everything from a mimosa bar to filet mignon and eggs. It’s worth the trip.

Cabin Tips

They are called staterooms.

Your room on the ship is not a cabin it’s a stateroom. Whenever you go to Guest Services, call room service etc. you will be asked what is your stateroom number? SO, remember it’s not a cabin it’s a stateroom.

Motion Sickness Worries

If you are concerned about motion sickness your stateroom location can help. If you are prone to seasickness then choose a room in the lower part of the ship and in the middle of the floor. The ship has less movement here.

Night Lights

If you choose an interior stateroom make sure to bring a night light as your room will be totally dark. You also may want to set an alarm on your phone so you don’t sleep the day away.

Need Extra Comfort?

If your bed is not quite soft enough ask your Room Steward for an egg crate mattress pad to make your bed softer.

Use the Safe

Use the safe for your valuables such as cash, jewelry and other items. You can even use a gift card with a stripe to open it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Are you diabetic?

If you are insulin-dependent diabetic, then be sure to request a sharps container for your room. Most carnival cruise ships have refrigerators to store your insulin.

Entertainment Tips

Movies

If your ship has the movie screen by the pool, then don’t miss the free movies that will be shown there most nights. We are not talking movies that came out 3 years ago these are current in theater blockbusters. So, grab some free popcorn and enjoy a free movie.

Arrive Early for Shows

Make sure you arrive early for shows. Seating on Carnival ships is first come first serve. This means the best seats go fast. Arrive especially early for comedy shows as they are in smaller venues with less seating.

Extra Tips

Carnival Hub App

Make sure you download the Carnival Hub app before your cruise. The app allows you to keep track of your bill, chat with other cruise passengers (for a $5 per person fee). The app also has a digital version of the Carnival Times so you can keep track of activities.

Power Strips Only

Make sure you bring a power strip with you to plug in additional electronics. Make sure it is a power strip and not a surge protector. Surge protectors are banned on Carnival cruise ships.

Oh, the Photos!

Carnival has amazing photographers and the resulting photos are amazing. Put aside money because there will be a photo you will want, and they are pricey.

Use the Hand Washing Units

Carnival has super cool handwashing units where you just insert your hands and the machine does the work. It’s especially fun for the kids and makes hand washing fun.

No cash needed.

Carnival like most cruise lines is a cashless society. No need to carry around cash as your card will do it all. If you do need cash avoid the high atm fees and go buy chips at the casino and then go cash them out.

Related: Tips for Choosing the best Cruise Ship Room

I hope you enjoyed these 30 carnival Cruise tips and tricks. Did you learn anything new? If so let me know in the comment below and look forward to the next blog in this series.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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El Dorado Seaside Suites

October 4, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

El Dorado Seaside Suites

I had the pleasure of spending a week at the El Dorado Seaside Suites in Cancun, Mexico. I will start off by saying I am a resort snob. Since, I have been to many resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean during my time as a Destination Wedding Planner my standards are high. Yes, everything needs to be on point before I send my clients there. I will let you know before we dive into the Pros and Cons that I have sent a lot of couples to the El Dorado Seaside Suites and I will be sending many more. Let’s get started.

The El Dorado Seaside Suites is a adults only resort located in the Riveria Maya section of Mexico. Be aware that you will have about an hour and twenty-minute ride via shuttle from the Cancun airport to the resort. That will be the worst part of your trip. Once you arrive things definitely take an up-turn.

Check-in

When you arrive, you will be greeted at your car by a hotel employee dressed in brown and orange carrying a tray of lavender scented cool towels. Take one! You will need it. When I arrived, it was a scorching 90 degrees and that towel was heaven. Once your bags are taken and tagged to be delivered to your room you walk up the steps into the main lobby. Once inside you will receive a welcome glass of white wine while you check in. The check in process was relatively quick and took about 10-12 minutes. Once I was all checked in, I went outside to be taken to my room.

The El Dorado Seaside Suites is not a walking resort. The resort is huge and actually has two portions: The Seaside and The Palms. To help you navigate the resort there are golf carts that run continuously around the resort from 7am-11pm.

Related: 5 Best Mexico Resorts

My Room

I stayed in an Infinity Swim Up room and if you stay at this resort this is the room you want. The room has its own lounge area that leads into an infinity swim up pool right outside of your door. Luckily the excitement doesn’t stop there. You also have a rainfall shower and a jacuzzi bathtub. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the jacuzzi tub, but I did love the rainfall shower. The room was amazing and has all the basics such as a circular chaise lounger a table for two and a king size bed.

The Food

I have eaten a lot of food during my travel days and the food at this resort is amazing. Not only is it very well presented but it tastes good too. I have been to Mexico a lot of times and every time I avoided guacamole. Why? I’m not an avocado fan. Yet, after tasting the guacamole here at the El Dorado Seaside Suites I am a fan. I still think I will only eat it in Mexico; just to be safe.

I also tried the breakfast buffet and found it to be very diverse. It included pastries, freshly made to order omelets, and fruits. Of course, there are several types of juices and even a mimosa bar for those who need a morning pick me up. The buffet which is at the Marketplace gets crowded later in the morning so go early. If you want to skip eating in one of the several restaurants on site, you can order room service with has a great menu and a decent delivery time. Not to mention the food is good.

Related: Mexico Travel Guide

Activities

The El Dorado Seaside Suites has some great activities. You can take a Pilates class, enjoy some Rock n Roll trivia and even my favorite activity which is the Mexican Fiesta held in the center of the resort on Wednesdays. It is a party held outside with all the décor and a Mariachi band. They serve all the Mexican faves such as tacos, burritos and empanadas. I loved it! Don’t miss this party.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a great resort for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. It is also a great destination wedding location as well. If you are looking for a touch of romance this resort is a great option. I tried to find some negatives about this resort, but I just couldn’t. Forbe’s was right in awarding it with one of the Most Romantic Resorts in the World. I can’t wait for my next visit.

Are you considering a visit to Riveria Maya, Mexico? Is the El Dorado Seaside Suites now on your list? Let me know in the comments.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Argentina Travel Tips

By Kavonda L. Rogers

A Little History

Currency

Weather

Tech & Communication

Emergency Numbers

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Lists*

Language

LGBT Travel

How to Get There

Must Do Activities

Must Try Foods

Must Try Drinks

Best Instagram Photo Spots

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Top Secret Spots in Argentina

By Kavonda L. Rogers

The Shipwreck at Tierra del Fuego

A Secret View from Patagonia

Venture to the Marble Caves

The Ancient Stone Carvings of Argentina

Exploring the Secret Spots of Argentina

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Cruising to Alaska

By Kavonda L. Rogers

A Once In A Lifetime Trip

Large Ship vs. Small Ship

Gulf Of Alaska

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Inside Passage

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Dominican Republic Travel Guide

By Kavonda L. Rogers

History

Money

Climate

Electricity

Technology & Communications

Infrastructure & Transportation

Emergency Services

Language

LGBT Travel

Religion

Getting There

Driving

Bucket List Locations

Family Travel Highlights

Foods to Try

Drinks to Try

Photography Hot Spots

Best Souvenirs

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Top 5 Things You Must Do in Maldives

By Kavonda L. Rogers

To help you out, here are the top 5 things you must do in Maldives:

Explore the City of Male

Visit Mahibadhoo

Go diving in the Banana Reef

Eat, eat, and eat

Do some watersports

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico