Updated inflight Wi-Fi provides a new way to use airline incidental credits

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

We’ve previously discussed credit cards with airline incidental credits, and many people bemoan the fact these credits have become harder to use over time.

The unhappiest group is those with elite status. If you already get upgrades, snacks during the flight and checked bags for free, it seems like you really can’t use your airline incidental credits for anything — right?

With recent updates to inflight Wi-Fi, you’ll be happy to know that your airline incidental credits may provide value after all.

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Quick recap of cards with airline incidental credits and travel credits

(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)

“Airline incidental credits” offer reimbursement for the extras you have to pay for when flying. Here’s a quick recap of cards offering this perk:

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Up to $100 in airline fee credits.Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card: Up to $300 in airline fee credits.Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Up to $250 in airline fee credits.The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $200 in airline fee credits.The Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $200 in airline fee credits.

Note that you must enroll in advance and choose a preferred airline for American Express cards. With Bank of America, credits only apply to U.S.-based airlines on flights departing from the U.S.

The information for the Premium Rewards Elite card and Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Since these reimbursements are intended to cover things like paying to select a seat, priority boarding, checked bags or snacks and drinks during a flight, what happens to your credits if you get those things for free? For many people, the credits go unused. That can make it tough to justify paying hundreds of dollars for a card’s annual fee.

Related: What still triggers Amex airline fee reimbursements?

There are also cards with more generalized “travel credits.” Two good examples here are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card from Chase (not currently open to new applications).

Both cards offer $300 in annual statement credits. With the Sapphire Reserve, this applies to anything broadly defined as “travel.” With the Ritz-Carlton card, the $300 in annual credits is meant to apply to “incidental credits,” but the credits don’t happen automatically like you expect with other cards. You need to call or message Chase and ask to use your credits against a purchase you made.

The information for the Ritz-Carlton card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

As you can see, there are several cards offering reimbursement for things that you may be receiving for free, if you have elite status with an airline. Even if you aren’t getting those things for free, maybe you don’t use them and are happy to hear about other options. Enter: new Wi-Fi systems.

Wi-Fi that codes as a qualifying airline purchase

(Photo courtesy of Delta)

Not all Wi-Fi systems are the same. That applies to how they work and whether they will trigger your credit card’s annual travel or incidental credits.

Older Wi-Fi systems where you purchase your internet from a provider such as Gogo will not code as an airline purchase. That’s because you are buying your internet from a third party — not directly from the airline itself.

At present, Wi-Fi purchases from Alaska Airlines will not code as a purchase from the airline. So, unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your airline incidental credits or travel credits here. Additionally, Wi-Fi purchases during your flight with American Airlines will not count, but there is at least one data point where buying a monthly subscription in advance triggered the airline incidental credit with Amex.

Southwest’s inflight Wi-Fi is provided by just one carrier, which makes things simple. Despite the fact that all of the branding looks like the Wi-Fi is offered directly by Southwest, it’s not. Instead, it will likely code as something like “computer networking” on your credit card statement. Thus, Wi-Fi purchases from Southwest Airlines won’t trigger your airline incidental credits.

Delta’s inflight internet systems are the simplest to understand among airlines where your credits might work. When boarding, look for this decal on the side of the plane indicating it has the newer, faster Viasat system.

(Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Beyond this, you can see which service may be available on your upcoming flight on Delta’s Wi-Fi information page. Purchases of the Viasat Wi-Fi system will code as a Delta purchase, which should be eligible for reimbursement with airline incidental credits and travel credits.

Related: Putting Delta’s new blazing-fast inflight Wi-Fi to the test

The most complicated airline in this discussion is United Airlines. It has a total of four different internet providers on its planes. The good news, though, is that United is simplifying its onboard internet pricing and offerings. You can check this page for information on which Wi-Fi system your flight is likely to have. The best is Viasat, which is installed on select Airbus A319s, Boeing 737-900s, 757s and the 737 MAX 8 and 9. As part of the comprehensive “United Next” campaign focused on fleet renewal, the carrier promises to install “the industry’s fastest available inflight Wi-Fi” on all newly delivered jets.

Despite the complex question of which United internet provider your flight might have, the positive news is that increasing numbers of United Wi-Fi purchases are coding as “United Airlines” on credit card statements. That means these purchases should qualify for airline incidental credits and travel credits.

Related: United simplifies the Wi-Fi pricing structure, adds day pass option

Other ways to get inflight Wi-Fi for free

(Photo by Hero Images/Getty Images)

There are additional paths to free Wi-Fi on a plane. For our purposes, we are considering options beyond the free services limited only to using the airline’s entertainment systems or messaging apps.

Related: Which airlines offer free inflight messaging?

Most T-Mobile customers may be able to get a free hour of Wi-Fi on select Gogo flights, while some subscribers get unlimited Gogo Wi-Fi with certain plans.

For Southwest Airlines fans, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers reimbursement for up to 365 $8 inflight Wi-Fi purchases on Southwest each year. Southwest charges $8 for an all-day Wi-Fi pass, so this card effectively gets you free Wi-Fi on Southwest every day of the year. Pay for the purchase using your card, and you will receive a statement credit after the fact.

For American Airlines passengers, there’s the $99-a-year AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard that offers up to $25 in statement credits toward Wi-Fi purchases on AA flights and the AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard (not currently open to new applications) that offers up to $50 in statement credits per year.

The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red card and AAdvantage Aviator Silver card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Beyond this, there are several airlines that offer free inflight Wi-Fi, though offerings can vary by elite status and which cabin you’re flying in, or be subject to time limits.

Bottom line

(Photo by Content Pixie/Unsplash)

If you’re looking for free internet on your next flight, there are several ways to get it. The fact that more inflight Wi-Fi purchases are coding as airline purchases should be welcome news for those with airline incidental credits and travel credits to burn. If you’ve struggled to use these credits in years past, buying an internet pass on your next flight could provide value to you. Be sure to check which type of Wi-Fi will be available on your plane in advance, and remember that if you’re using an American Express card, this perk only applies to your preferred airline.

Featured photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

By: Ryan Smith
Title: Updated inflight Wi-Fi provides a new way to use airline incidental credits
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/inflight-wifi-airline-incidental-credits/
Published Date: Fri, 27 May 2022 14:30:55 +0000

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Guide to Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Guide to Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala

Semana Santa in Guatemala

Semana Santa or Holy Week in Guatemala is one of the most important celebrations of the year in this tiny country. Although it’s predominantly a celebration for Catholics, travelers of all religions and beliefs can experience this great opportunity to see art in a very particular way. Keep reading to learn more about Semana Santa in Guatemala.

This tradition was brought to America during the Spanish conquest. It is meant to represent the passion of Jesus Christ by taking beautifully crafted images of Jesus and Mary out on processions. It is the most important and busiest week in the country and the best time to visit Antigua.

Antigua is a small city that looks as if time stood still for the last two hundred years. It was once the Capital of Central America and is now a must-visit for travelers from around the world. This place comes alive with smells, colors, food, music, and processions during holy week in Guatemala.

What Makes Holy Week in Guatemala Special? 

For many years to the present, La Semana Santa in Guatemala has attracted many international believers from all over the world, and that’s because of the way the locals celebrate it here. Each country celebrates it differently but nothing like Guatemala, from alfombras to the cucuruchos and many more.

Los cucuruchos y las devotas

They are the pennant devotees, taking care of carrying out the processions and the many steps of the Via Crucis. Las devotas are the female version of the devotees, also taking care of the Holy Week processions. There are many types, from several organizations and different brotherhoods, but commonly they wear robes in white, black, or purple

They take turns carrying the giant floats, why do they do this, the reasons are personal, many of them just want to thank God for something, or redeem their sins, and for tradition.

Las Alfrombras

This literally means “carpets” in English, the planning of las alfrombras starts months before Holy Week, and they should be done 24h before the procession take place. The real purpose of those carpets is to be a colorful path for the profession and as an offering. It is well known that many Guatemalan families have been making alfombras for generations, many years.

Las alfombras are usually made with dust of different colors, fruits, and flowers. The pattern is a bit complicated, people usually use catholic symbols and Mayan images, also many have Guatemalan icons or natural elements. The carpets come in many sizes, from many meters to even a mile long.

The Processional Floats

Most of those structures are made of wood, they are used to carry Catholic images of Jesus Christ and different saints across the streets during Holy Week. Las andas procesionales are decorated by the devotees according to the church and organization selected theme. Since the Good Friday processions take place in the nighttime, some of the processional floats are illuminated, giving them a different touch!

The size varies a lot, some are really small and some are huge, the biggest one is located in El Calvario Church, used to carry the Cristo Yacente, with 25 meters in length and almost 2.5 tons in weight it needs to be carried by 140 cucuruchos. 

The Catholic Images

What makes Semana Santa in Guatemala really amazing are the floats and the catholic images, some of the ones used for the processions are 600 years old or even more. Most of them arrived in Guatemala from Spain and other countries in Europe. They are very antique and have a lot of history with them.

The cofradias, brotherhoods, or organizations have the duty to dress the images in expensive clothing, also, they take care of the restoration and cleaning.

These images are clothed in expensive robes and clothing. The cofradias (brotherhoods) are in charge of their restoration and cleaning.

Holy Week in Guatemala

Actually, the celebrations start 40 days before the day when the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated. This period is called lent. On each Friday, there will be an altar in different churches (Velaciones), and on Sundays, there will be a procession, each representing a different passage of the bible.

Also, make sure to check out the carpets. They are made with sawdust of bright colors and intricate designs, and others are made of flowers, bringing about beautiful combinations. They take hours and lots of work, and get destructed in seconds as the procession passes by. These are just some of the best things to do in Antigua during this season.

Itinerary of Activities of Holy Week in Guatemala:

1. It all starts on Palm Sunday – Everywhere you look you’ll find beautiful bouquets of palms and flowers. Then during the afternoon, there is a procession from the famous La Merced Church.

2. Monday – Go for a visit to La Merced church again. There will be a huge exposition of an image on the altar – each year is different. You can also find tons of Guatemalan street food stands outside the church.

3. Tuesday – Visit San Francisco church, you will find another of these artistic representations featuring an image of Christ carrying a cross. As I mentioned before, they are all completely different.

4. Wednesday – This is a busy day! First, there is a procession from one of the nearby towns. They are floating pieces of art. Then visit Escuela de Cristo Church. You will have another velacion, but this time the image being featured is the one of the dead Christ.

5. Thursday – You get two different processions. Try to catch them as they go through the cathedral. They do a short dramatization in colorful outfits and even horses, with the full moon as the background.

6. Friday – This is the busiest day of the whole week and where you see the largest processions. Thousands of people come to Antigua to see or carry on their shoulders one of the four processions. One leaves La Merced church at 6 am. At 3 pm, the city changes from purple to black. This is when three more processions leave the Cathedral, Escuela de Cristo and San Felipe. This time they all represent the dead Christ, they are huge and solemn.

Locals don’t sleep the night of Thursday, they spend the night looking at Thursday’s processions, partying or manufacturing carpets for Friday’s processions. Then spend the whole day walking, eating and chasing the processions. This is when the best carpets are made so it is a good idea to start the day walking the streets at 5am looking at the finished carpets, just 30min before the morning procession destroys them.

7. Saturday – During the afternoon you will find two more processions on the streets of Antigua, this time featuring only the images of Virgin Mary wearing black, representing her loneliness after Jesus Christ died.

8. Sunday – It all ends with a modest yet popular procession announcing the resurrection has happened. This is a day of celebration among Catholics.

Holy Week Food 

There are tons and tons of restaurants in Antigua. But during this time of the year many little parks around town have food stands. I know this might look scary, sometimes, but it is worth giving this food a chance. It is all part of the experience! All you have to do is choose carefully the stand you buy from.

What to Avoid during Holy Week in Guatemala

During this week you will find people on the streets all night, especially close to the churches open for a velacion. Antigua is also a pretty safe place, but avoid the streets if it is too late. Also avoid the areas close to the market, and the ones on the outer edges of Antigua. It can be dangerous since thieves go crazy during this season.

If you are planning a vacation in Guatemala, this is the season you want to be in. The weather is warm, it doesn’t rain, and you get to experience one of the main aspects of the culture of locals.

NOTE: Semana Santa 2022 starts on the 08th of April.

The post Guide to Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: Guide to Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/guide-to-semana-santa-in-guatemala/
Published Date: Wed, 01 Jun 2022 12:00:04 +0000

Happy Pride! Here’s all we’re doing at The Points Guy to celebrate Pride Month

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.

It’s one of our favorite times of the year at The Points Guy — Pride Month! Diversity and inclusion are a core part of the TPG brand, and we always go out of our way during June to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. There are some incredible prizes this year, too.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up forour daily newsletter.

For years, TPG has partnered with Rainbow Railroad to rescue LGBTQIA+ individuals, and we are doubling down on those efforts this year. Rainbow Railroad is a nonprofit organization that helps LGBTQIA+ people escape persecution and violence in their home countries and get to safety.

“Rainbow Railroad is there to cut through all the red tape that prevents LGBTQIA+ people from getting life-saving support. That’s why the work supported by TPG is so crucial,” said Kimahli Powell, executive director of Rainbow Railroad. He said the organization was creating pathways to safety.

Rainbow Railroad has given direct assistance or provided travel for some 3,900 individuals.

We’ll have more details soon, but Chase Sapphire is donating a grand prize of 1 million Chase Ultimate Reward points to one lucky winner!

That’s not the only amazing thing on offer.

The excursion booking site Elsewhere (owned by TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures) will donate a safari trip to South Africa as one of several flash sweepstakes prizes. Stay tuned for more details.

Related: Help Rainbow Railroad rescue refugees worldwide

In 2021, we raised over $200,000 for Rainbow Railroad. Over the years, TPG has provided enough funds to support at least 100 LGBTQIA+ people, which means that together we’ve saved over 100 lives.

Just one of TPG’s campaigns for Rainbow Railroad. (Screenshot from Rainbow Railroad)

TPG will hold several live events as well, including:

A Twitter Space discussing LGBTQIA+ travel tips and under-the-radar destinations.A Twitter Space with Brian Kelly and a celebrity co-host to discuss LGBTQIA+ travel.A live event in Toronto from the Rainbow Railroad Freedom Series with a party you can attend in Toronto.

Related: Donate directly to Rainbow Railroad’s rescue efforts

We’ll also have lots of great Pride-related coverage, including stories on the best gay beach destinations, tips for attending your first Pride and 2022’s hottest new LGBTQIA+ destinations. We’ll also hear from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant DeJa Skye on her must-have travel items.

Related: 13 amazing Pride events around the world

Featured photo by The Points Guy.

By: Clint Henderson
Title: Happy Pride! Here’s all we’re doing at The Points Guy to celebrate Pride Month
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/news/happy-pride-heres-all-were-doing-at-the-points-guy-to-celebrate-pride-month/
Published Date: Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:00:37 +0000

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How To Save While Traveling In Your RV

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

How To Save While Traveling In Your RV>

Travel trailer camping at sunset by the Mississippi river in Illinois at sunset panorama

RV travel has become wildly popular in recent years, with more people embracing this new way of traveling that offers the freedom to explore different places. And for people who love traveling but can’t afford the expenses associated with normal travel, RV offers a cheaper option.

In addition, RV is perfect for those who enjoy flexible travel that doesn’t have to stick to a schedule, thus creating freedom. The freedom you gain from RV travel offers you the choice of checking out places that weren’t on your itinerary if your travel insurance permits.  

With an RV, you may also easily move around without paying for a hotel, airfare, restaurants, etc. And apart from expenses such as gas, RV parking fees, and renting or buying the RV, it remains the cheaper option.

Even though it’s a cheaper option, you may still save even more and cut down on costs. Discussed in this article are the different ways to help you save when traveling in your RV. 

Book Your RV Early

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If you consider renting an RV, it might be smart to book it in advance to avoid paying more for last-minute deals. As a result, start researching for an RV company such as a second hand motorhome three to four months before your travels and compare the prices and rates. 

When you get the best rates, reach out to the company and confirm the availability during your travel dates. You might get cheaper pricing by booking earlier as you have enough time to shop earlier. And when shopping, consider renting class-B motor homes and save money on rental fees.

However, if you are thinking of buying an RV, consider settling for smaller vehicles depending on the number of people traveling. These vehicles may include camper vans, travel trailers, and class-b homes.

Make Your Meals

Eating out in restaurants can be costly compared to making up your food from scratch. And although others can argue that some food can be cheaper, it doesn’t compare to making your food and having leftovers for another meal. 

An RV offers the convenience of having a kitchen on the road, making it easier to fix a meal anytime. You can take steps to make cooking processes easier, such as investing in a slow cooker to make your meals. 

In addition, plan out the meals that will help you stay on track with eating healthy and fresh. And avoid trying out new recipes but rather stick to simple foods that you can easily cook. You should also consider prepping your ingredients ahead and carrying your drinks in a cooler to avoid buying them. 

Choose Cheaper Driving Routes

The route you choose when on a road trip will greatly influence the amount you get to spend on expenses such as gas and overnight stays. If you are flexible, consider comparing different routes and how much expenses cost on every stop. 

As a result, when choosing routes, try to opt for those with free campsites, cheap gas stations, and routes without toll roads. In addition, stay away from congested areas, big cities, and coastal areas that tend to be expensive. 

Join RV clubs 

If you are new to RVs, you may be surprised to know that they have clubs that you can be a part of by getting a membership. These memberships are a great way of enjoying access to cheap and unique camping experiences, which helps to save. 

In addition, being a member of an RV club will let you enjoy things like getting free RV towing depending on the level of your coverage, flat tire and fuel delivery service, free car rentals, and discounts on parts and accessories at auto stores that have partnered with these clubs. 

The off-season is when the number of tourists visiting somewhere decreases. And with the decrease comes lower prices for different things, making it the perfect time to travel. 

And since traveling in an RV normally involves sightseeing in all the cities you go through, seasons allow you to pay less for park passes, guided tours, and passes for different attractions. 

Try Boondocking

If you are looking for adventure, you can enjoy RVing while still saving by boondocking. And if this term is new to you, it means camping on public lands, which makes it more rugged. 

You get to save on camping ground fees that tend to be high depending on the place you stay by camping on public grounds. And since you need to find ways of conserving power and water, you get to save even more. 

Bottom Line

Traveling in your RV can be a great money-saving option compared to other normal traveling ways. And even though it’s a cheaper option, there are more ways to ensure your trip is as cost-effective as opposed. 

For instance, you can look around for cheaper fuel which helps you save more while maximizing what you have. In addition, you can learn some handy skills to avoid having to procure services that can be expensive. 

The post How To Save While Traveling In Your RV appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: How To Save While Traveling In Your RV
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/how-to-save-while-traveling-in-your-rv/
Published Date: Tue, 24 May 2022 23:51:06 +0000

Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

One of the reasons we board a ship is to experience the world, whether that’s island hopping in the Caribbean, animal watching in Alaska or stepping into storybook-like towns across Europe. But is it better to do your in-port exploration on a ship-sponsored tour booked through the cruise line or independently, either by booking shore excursions on your own with a third-party company or guide or exploring the port without a tour?

There’s no right or wrong approach. When I think back to my two favorite tours, one was ship-sponsored (a plant-based cooking class with a Rastafarian in Jamaica through Princess Cruises) and the other independent (a walking and history tour with a lifelong resident in Havana booked online). On both, I got what I was looking for: a glimpse into local culture.

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Consider these pros and cons of both types of shore excursions as you’re sifting through the choices on a cruise line’s website. And remember, this isn’t an all-or-nothing game. You might choose a ship-sponsored tour in select ports or when traveling with certain people, but opt to go it on your own on other trips or in other destinations. It’s all good.

In This Post

Ship-sponsored tours: Pros

(Photo by Antonio Busiello/Getty Images)

You will be back to the ship on time

Because everyone on the tour is a passenger on your ship, there is no way the ship will leave without your group back on board. Communications between the shore excursion guide and your ship are tight, and if the tour runs late due to traffic or another reason, the ship will wait for your bus to return.

If the ship’s itinerary changes or a port stop’s altered, you won’t miss the tour

On one visit to Grand Cayman, high winds forced the ship’s tender boats to shuttle passengers to a different pier than originally planned. Thankfully my plans were fluid — take a taxi to Seven Mile Beach — but had I booked an independent tour I might have missed the scheduled pick-up time due to the new arrival location. Guests who booked a ship’s tour were simply picked up at the new arrival point.

The same principle holds true for any itinerary changes that cause you to miss a port or arrive later than planned. Ship-sponsored tours either will adjust to accommodate you or you’ll get a refund. With independent tours, you’re at the mercy of that tour operator’s cancellation policies.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Changes to the tour can be made during sailing

A ship’s cruise shore excursions desk is for booking — and canceling — tours. If the weather looks bad for the day of your bicycling tour or you’ve had enough beach time and decided you want something different, you can usually cancel your tour within 48 hours for a refund. (Be sure to check the cruise line’s policies.) It’s trickier to change your mind when you have to call or email a third-party provider, and that company may have different cancellation policies. Bottom line: It’s easier to cancel tours on board.

Tours pack many experiences into one and can optimize a short stay in port

Ship-sponsored tours usually focus on more than one activity. There’s often a restaurant or boutique stop, as well as one or two other highlights. If you’re a person who likes to check off lots of boxes, this is ideal. I just booked a Ketchikan, Alaska shore excursion through Princess Cruises (“Best of Ketchikan: Totems, Wildlife Cruise & Alaska Appetizers”) that satisfies my love for fresh seafood, sailing and local art — all in the span of a few hours.

Tours are vetted by the cruise lines

Sure, you could pop off the ship and flag down a person holding a sign advertising a tour. But how will you have time to check review sites to make sure they’re legit? When booking through the ship you know the tour has been vetted and — more importantly — endorsed.

I would have been hesitant to hop into a small van and trek up a muddy mountain to a stranger’s house in Dominica to learn cooking skills if I hadn’t booked through Celebrity Cruises. Yet that tour was an amazing glimpse into local culture, made possible by a ship-sponsored tour.

Ship-sponsored tours: Cons

(Photo by Paul Biris/Getty Images)

Ship-sponsored tours might be less physically active

Although hiking and kayaking outings have been added to ship-sponsored shore tour rosters in recent years, these active excursions cater to the average cruiser and not athletes. What’s strenuous to you and what’s strenuous to the average Holland America traveler may be completely different. If you’re a fitness buff or an experienced hiker/biker/kayaker, you might be disappointed.

When choosing tours, consult the activity level for terms like “moderate” or “strenuous” but also look for the number of miles walked, kayaked or biked. That said, I brought up the rear on a Scenic Cruises’ vineyard bicycling tour in Bordeaux due to the ship’s surprisingly active seniors. To go at your own pace, not the group’s, you’re better off on your own.

Related: Ship shape: 9 tips for staying fit on a cruise

Tours are not necessarily intimate

Instead of a very personalized experience, passengers on some ship-sponsored tours are packed onto motorcoaches with no opportunity to engage the guide if they are not sitting in the first few rows. If possible, look for a tour with a limited number of spots, especially if you’ll be walking, so you can interact. A tour guide speaking through a microphone to a completely full catamaran isn’t necessarily intimate.

Excursions often fill up in advance

There’s a reason you’re advised to pick tours early: They book up. Even if you log into your cruise line’s website to book tours the second they open up (which could be at midnight), shipmates in more expensive suites or higher loyalty program status might have snatched up all the spots on the hottest tours. Independent tours and the top guides also book up in advance, but you usually have more choices of operators and flexibility on when to book, so you can find something you like.

Cruise ship tours won’t take you off the beaten path

A 5,000-passenger ship can hardly offer three tours with 15 people on each, partnering with the island’s most eccentric artist or chef. They have to offer tours en masse to attractions used to handling thousands of travelers each day. When I dock in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, I hail a taxi to Grand Case on the French side and opt out of ship-sponsored tours. That means I’m not one of 50 people still in line for a pain au chocolat at a bakery while the motorcoach driver tells me I have “five more minutes.”

Look to the smaller cruise lines for more options for small-group tours – and know that those excursions are likely to be expensive and sell out quickly.

Ship-sponsored tours are often more expensive

Speaking of price, ship-sponsored tours are often more expensive than the same tour offered directly through the operator. That’s because the cruise line serves as the middleman and inflates the fees so it can take a cut before it pays the tour company.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on ships

Independent tours: Pros

(Photo by Matthew Micah Wright/Getty Images)

Independent tours take smaller groups

When you sign on to an existing third-party tour, instead of filling up a motorcoach you will probably be one of fewer than 20 people hopping in a van or spreading out on a bus. Book a private tour, and it might be just you and your group. This small setting allows you to ask a lot of questions and even customize the day’s schedule with activities for antsy kids or photo stops at sights of interest. You can slow or quicken the pace and potentially choose what you see.

Tours can be more physically active

A rock-climbing tour probably isn’t going to partner with a large cruise ship. People who wish to scale boulders are a small niche of travelers. Even that hike or bike ride offered through the cruise line will be fairly easy. If exerting adrenaline is a must, go off on your own or find a local guide. You can tailor the day’s activities to your fitness level and skill and go at your preferred pace.

Independent exploration or tours can take you off the beaten path

Tour buses stick to the tourist hot spots to accommodate the general interests of first-time visitors. If you’ve already visited a cruise port before, or prefer to get off the beaten path, you may need to ditch the ship-sponsored tour for a private guide or exploring on your own.

Get recommendations from a co-worker, friend or online travel forums ahead of time. Don’t be shy about asking crew members or shop, gallery or restaurant workers for, say, the best conch salad in Nassau or a locals’ beach. You may find yourself gazing out to sea at a family-owned shack by the side of the road having an amazing local meal or enjoying a quiet strip of sand while your shipmates get herded about in tour buses.

Private cruise excursions will cost less or offer more value

As I mentioned earlier, going straight to the tour provider can get you the same tour as your ship is offering for a lower price. Small-group or private tours, on the other hand, tend to be pricier than large-group cruise ship excursions. However, you’ll get better value for your money when you can customize the tour to your preferences or spend more time sightseeing and less waiting around for other people in your group. If you can get together a group of 8 or 10 people, you can split costs to make a private tour more affordable per person.

Sometimes you don’t need a tour

For ports close to a downtown or the beach, you don’t need a tour to enjoy your day. Hop a cab to the beach, window shop in town or grab lunch at a local eatery; all you need is a map and some cash.

After lunch on the beach in Bridgetown, Barbados, I took a short taxi into downtown, popping into the locals’ version of a dime store and strolling through a farmer’s market. I didn’t need a guide for that, and I was happy to get away from the tour bus hordes for a few hours.

Independent tours: Cons

(Photo by Michael H/Getty Images)

If the ship skips a port or arrives late, you may be unable to change plans

Ship tours will accommodate schedule changes, but private shore excursions don’t always. The tour operator may not know that your ship had to head back to its departure port due to a medical emergency, or that it changed its docking location and time. It may deem you a no-show and charge your credit card for the tour you missed. Even if you do manage to get in touch, its cancellation policy may or may not allow last-minute refunds.

Most tour operators catering to cruisers understand that weather patterns can change your ship’s itinerary, causing you to arrive on a different day or skip the port completely. Often, their cancellation policies cover these itinerary changes — especially if it’s a group tour rather than a private guide. However, there might not be room to accommodate you on a popular tour on the revised date or arrival. Bottom line: Ship tours will always accommodate itinerary changes; independent tours don’t always.

Related: What to do if your line cancels your port call

Unexpected problems can make you miss the ship

Most tour guides catering to cruise passengers are conscientious about getting passengers back to the ship on time. But a traffic jam, bad weather or a medical emergency can derail even the best-laid plans. If a private tour takes longer than projected, the ship won’t wait – and you might be looking for a hotel for the night.

Independent travel can stress you out

While I love straying from the port and getting away from the hustle and bustle, independent travel can stress me out. On my own, I constantly check the time or worry the taxi will get a flat tire and I’ll miss the ship. Some people stress out when navigating a foreign language without a guide to help translate. Others fret about getting lost in an unfamiliar city, or fear they’re missing out on the cultural and historical context if they can’t read signs in another language.

If independent exploration makes you anxious, by all means, sign up for that guided tour. Even if you see less, you’ll be happier about the sites you do get to experience.

You need to do your research

If you walk off the ship and sign up for a tour with the first company you see you could end up on a dud of a tour because you don’t know a thing about the provider. Whether you book your guide in advance or make a last-minute game plan on the pier, you are on the hook to do your homework, look up reviews and make sure the provider is legit. My independent cruise excursion in Havana was memorable because I did the research and booked a guide who got top ratings on TripAdvisor. But some folks end up disappointed because they booked with an unknown company and the excursion did not live up to expectations.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise shipA beginners guide to picking a cruise lineThe 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise shipA quick guide to the most popular cruise lines21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly15 ways cruisers waste money12 best cruises for people who never want to grow upThe ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Featured photo courtesy of Viking Cruises.

By: Kristine Hansen
Title: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/ship-sponsored-vs-independent-cruise-excursions/
Published Date: Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:00:46 +0000

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Guatemala Waterfalls: 9 Most Amazing Waterfalls to Visit in The Country

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Guatemala Waterfalls: 9 Most Amazing Waterfalls to Visit in The Country

Stop wondering where to go in Guatemala! If there is anything that this country is known for, it is because of its Mayan Ruins and its natural attractions. Aside from the different kinds of forests, lakes, beaches, and caves, some of the many rivers of Guatemala offer beautiful waterfalls.

Most of the Guatemalan waterfalls offer nice natural pools or rivers suitable for swimming, most of them are tucked in natural parks or reserves, making a great places for outdoor activities.

Guatemala Waterfalls

Los Siete Altares (The Seven Altars)

It is close to the Garifuna town of Livingston. The Seven Altars are just that – they are seven gorgeous waterfalls. It’s an easy 5 km hike from the beach on a well-marked path. Make sure you reach the seventh waterfall. It’s the most spectacular of them all! Plus you can swim here as a final reward.

El Salto de Chilascó

It is located in the Baja verapaz department of Guatemala, in the middle of the cloud forest. Every country claims to have the biggest or highest something or other, the locals of this area claim that this is the highest waterfall in Central America: 130 mts. It’s probably best to humor them since the highest waterfall in Central America is in Belize. But it won’t hurt to play along, plus it is gorgeous!

Source: Flickr

Las Conchas Pools (Waterfalls)

You will find these 50 kms east of Izabal Guatemala. Las Conchas is a series of large limestone pools made from waterfalls on the Chiyu River. Because the waterfalls are located in a remote area, it’s great to spend the night at a nearby hotel. The place is packed with wildlife and tons of nature, making it a great place for nature lovers. You can do activities like, hiking, birding, and a lot of swimming.

Source: Flickr

Chimel and Santa Abelina Waterfalls

These two are located in Quiche Guatemala, in San Juan Cotzal part of the Ixil Triangle. The waterfalls are all spread out. This is a great day trip combined with hiking and swimming. The second waterfall has a well-maintained pool with changing rooms. Those two are probably the most underrated waterfalls in the country, at least by tourist, a place you should check if you love nature and outdoor activities. The cold water is great for swimming on a hot guatemalan day.

Source: Flickr

Sachichaj Waterfall

This beautiful waterfall is located near Cobán Guatemala. The Sachichaj Waterfall is 15 meters high and spills out into a cobalt blue lagoon which is great for swimming. Probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Guatemala, the lagoon and Sachichaj river is stunning, surrounded by green nature suitable for outdoor lovers looking for adventure and swimming

Source: Flickr

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a limestone formation with some caves around too, located in Alta Verapaz, the natural pools in the area have a beautiful turquoise color, making it look like an enchanting movie set. The journey to Semuc Champey is quite long, so be prepared for an amazing adventure, it’s worth it.

Some of the activities in the area include swimming in the pools, hiking to the viewpoint, checking the waterfall, and even exploring a cave.

La Igualdad Waterfalls

La Igualdad waterfall is located in the eco-park in San Marcos, Guatemala. The hike to the falls is worth it, up and back, packed with beautiful views, a lot of Guatemalan wildlife and fauna, and rivers. The waterfall itself is gorgeous and unspoiled, not a lot of people go there, so you can have it all for yourself. Near the fall, you can find an almost natural pool to take a swim in.

Finca Paraiso Waterfall

Finca el Paraiso waterfall is a hot waterfall with a pool where you can take a swim at. It’s one of the best natural hot springs in Guatemala, located near Rio Dulce the water stream nearby is cold, making a perfect contrast to the hot water, you can take a swim in both if you want. The area is packed with trees and animals, making it one of the hidden gems in Guatemala. To go there, you need to pay an entrance fee of Q15 like $2.

Los Amates Waterfall

A large and rocky waterfall is located to the south of Guatemala, in order to get there you need to cross a river in a 4×4 car. Besides taking a bath in the pool beneath the waterfall, you can put on a harness and a helmet and rappel right there in the waterfall. The fall is surrounded by rocks and trees, a great view for anyone trying to get some outdoor activities. A good point of this place is the fact that it’s never crowded!

As you can see, this small Central American country has a lot to offer to nature lovers. So, if you are looking for some excitement and contact with nature, consider an adventure in Guatemala for your next vacation, visit one of the many waterfalls and take a swim in one of the many natural pools that site has.

Where to Go in Guatemala – Waterfalls

 

The post Guatemala Waterfalls: 9 Most Amazing Waterfalls to Visit in The Country appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: Guatemala Waterfalls: 9 Most Amazing Waterfalls to Visit in The Country
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/guatemala-waterfalls/
Published Date: Mon, 30 May 2022 12:00:59 +0000