Excursion tips.

With the main summer holidays fast approaching, I am sure we are all counting down and planning for our family holiday.

I  know for sure I am, 7 weeks and counting until we embark our Havana cabana on the Carnival Horizon from New York and I have been busy planning and booking my excursions and trips.

But what is best to do?, Do you only go on the organised cruise line excursions, or venture out on your own little adventure.

Well both have their advantages and I thought I would give you some advice on whether you should book or do your own thing, I get asked this alot.

It is of course an individual decision and doing what is best for you and what you feel comfortable with is the main thing.

Things to take into account, with a cruise line excursion you of course have peace of mind and the reassurance of being guaranteed to get back to the ship. There will be experienced tour guides who will have excellent knowledge of where they are taking you, this is important particularly in the historical cities.  You may also have jump the line tickets. But, on the downside, you will generally be part of a large group.

Is the port where you are going a highlight, such as the Flaam railway, this will sell out so I would always say book book book.

If you are wanting to go off and explore on your own there are certain things to take into account.

How many ships are in port – if 3 big ships in it may be difficult to bag a taxi.

Are there any public holidays or public transport strikes, as you will get no where fast if that happens.

How far away do you want to travel from the port, can you get back to the port easy if need be.

Are you prepared to get yourself to the next port if you miss the ship. In Italy not too much of a problem, but on a Caribbean Island could be tricky.

Some ports it is very easy to just walk off the ship and take a stroll to the market or beach and relax.

Sometimes researching and organizing your own private excursion can be worth while, with social media its easy to get recommendations, we have done this in Sicily where we did the GodFather tour and Capri-Naples where we took the hydrofoil to Capri and then a private boat trip around the island.

If researched well and you feel comfortable in the Country you are travelling too going it alone then go for it. But remember, its all about the planning and the research.

If you need any tips on ports just let me know.

Enjoy and fun travels.