Why Booking Excursions in Advance Can Make Your Trip Even Better

One of the most exciting parts of planning a vacation is deciding what you’ll do once you arrive. Whether you're sailing on a cruise or staying at an all-inclusive resort, the right excursions can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

As a travel advisor, I always encourage my clients to think beyond the resort pool or cruise ship deck. Exploring your destination adds depth, culture, and adventure to your travel experience.

That’s why I offer access to trusted excursion partners for both land vacations and cruises.

🌴 Land Excursions & Tours (Resorts, Cities & Beyond)

If you're traveling to a resort destination, major city, or international hotspot, I recommend exploring tour options through Viator.

From:

• Snorkeling and catamaran cruises

• Cultural walking tours

• Food and wine experiences

• ATV adventures

• Private transportation and airport transfers

There are thousands of experiences available worldwide.

👉 Browse land excursions here:
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00003870&uid=U00726047&mcid=58086&currency=USD

Booking ahead helps you:

• Secure popular tours before they sell out

• Plan your days in advance

• Avoid last-minute price increases

• Read verified traveler reviews
  
  

🚢 Cruise Shore Excursions

If you’re cruising, shore days are limited — and they’re valuable. Planning ahead ensures you maximize your time in port.

I offer access to Shore Excursions Group, which provides:

• Smaller group sizes

• Competitive pricing

• Unique alternatives to cruise line tours

• A return-to-ship guarantee

Popular options include:

• Beach breaks

• Snorkeling trips

• Cultural and historical tours

• Adventure excursions

• Private custom experiences

👉 Browse cruise shore excursions here:
www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1879549&data=sanddollardestinations@gmail.com

Should You Book Through the Cruise Line or Independently?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Cruise line excursions offer convenience and direct coordination. Independent providers often offer:

• More variety

• Smaller groups

• Better pricing

• More personalized experiences

I’m always happy to help you compare options and decide what works best for your travel style.

Why Book in Advance?

Excursions are often the first things to sell out — especially:

• Popular snorkeling trips

• Private tours

• Swim-with-dolphin experiences

• Seasonal wildlife tours

Pre-booking allows you to relax once you arrive, knowing everything is already arranged.

Let’s Plan the Adventure!

Your destination deserves more than just arrival — it deserves exploration.

If you're planning a cruise or land vacation, I’d love to help you select experiences that match your pace, interests, and comfort level.

Whether it’s adventure, culture, relaxation, or something in between — your memories are made in the moments off the ship and beyond the resort gates.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business. 

Packing for a cruise is a little different than packing for a typical vacation. Between sea days, shore excursions, formal nights, and limited cabin space, having the right essentials can make a big difference in how enjoyable (and stress-free) your trip feels. Your destination will also determine what you will need.  While many of these items can be used for all types of cruises, the focus is on tropical in this blog. I will be doing an Alaska specific blog soon! 

Below are cruise packing essentials that many travelers find helpful before setting sail — whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth.

1. Luggage That’s Easy to Handle

Cruise cabins don’t offer a lot of storage space, so choosing luggage that’s durable and easy to maneuver is key. If you chose to carry on/off your own luggage, you would definitely want something easy to maneuver.  Some ports require distance and long gangways.  From experience I can tell you that you do not want to be fighting with your luggage the morning of debarkation in Florida heat and humidity - not a good way to end your vacation!

👉  3 Piece Set Suitcase Set - This has it all - durable, easy to maneuver, and lots of color options!

👉 The Foldie - this is one of the best carry-on items I have used! It fits under the seat on an airplane and held a long weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries!

2. Packing Cubes for Organization

Packing cubes are a cruise favorite. They help keep outfits organized, make unpacking easier, and save space in small cabins.

👉 8 Packing Cubes 

👉 Set Packing Cubes 

3. Cruise-Approved Power Strip (No Surge Protectors!)

Most cruise cabins have limited outlets, like VERY limited, and surge protectors are typically not allowed. A cruise-approved power strip can help keep devices charged without violating ship rules.

👉 Cruise Approved Power Strip  - I like this one alot!  Multiple plug and USB ports and it has a long cord which may also come in handy depending on the location of the ship's outlets.

4. Magnetic Hooks for Cabin Storage

Most cabin walls are metal, and magnetic hooks are a simple way to add extra storage. I use mine by the door for my lanyard (cabin card) so that I always know where it is and I grab it on the way out. They are also great for hats, swimwear, and jackets/sweaters.

👉 Magnetic Hooks

MORE SUGGESTIONS TO COME......

Final Cruise Packing Tip

Every cruise and traveler is different, so use this list as a starting point and adjust based on your destination, cruise length, and personal preferences. Planning ahead helps ensure you spend less time worrying about what you forgot — and more time enjoying your vacation.

Disclosure 

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business.