Smart Cruisers Rely On These Game-Changing Cruise Resources (Podcast #515)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Over the years I've been cruising, I have made many mistakes, but thanks to other cruisers I've met along the way, they suggested various tools, sites, and apps that helped make sure I avoided making those – and other - mistakes again. So, I'd like to share those that I use on every cruise to make every trip epic. Including some rather quirky and unusual ones that you may find surprising and even rather amusing! Links mentioned in the video: Get 10% off any order of The Cruise Maps using https://www.TheCruiseMaps.com/TFT (discount applied at check out) Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: ...
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Which Cruise Line Is The VERY BEST By Region? And Why? (Podcast #514)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
In every weekly live cruise Q&A livestream that I do on YouTube, I am asked by a cruiser what is the best cruise line they should use in one of the regions of the world so they can see and get the most of it. So, I decided to make this to share in one place what I have found from my experiences to be the very best cruise lines to choose in each of the 8 most popular cruising regions. I have cruised all several times and, as you will see, many of the lines are not the obvious nor the biggest. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and...
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Too Many Cruisers Fall For These Cruise Drink Package Traps (Podcast #513)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
A drinks package can easily add $1,000 or more to the cost of your seven-night cruise. They've become popular and cruise lines push cruisers hard to buy them, arguing they’re great value, but are they really? And who exactly should, and should not, be buying them and why? I highlight how to avoid falling into traps that so many cruisers do with drinks packages. Links mentioned in the video: * Drinks Package calculators: https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/ and https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/cruise-drinks-package-calculator/ Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and...
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Avoid Doing These 6 Things Or Risk Driving Cruise Crew Crazy (Podcast #512)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Until recently I used to think of myself as a self-aware and understanding cruise passenger, but that changed after I caught up with some crew members I know over dinner on a recent cruise. They told me there are 6 things blissfully unaware passengers keep doing that really wind the crew up, but most passengers don’t realise they are doing it as crew members have to hide their frustration when they do these. I want to reveal these so you can avoid doing these from here on. GET 10% OFF YOUR "THE CRUISE MAPS" AT Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only...
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Smart Cruisers Stay On Board On Port Days More Than Ever. Here’s Why (Podcast #511)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
I noticed that more cruisers than ever are staying on board their cruise ship rather than getting off in ports to self-explore or go on excursions. With many changes in ports and on ships in recent years, I too have started remaining on board in more ports too. There were even two cruises in the last year where I did not get off the ship in any port at all! What is going on? And why and when should you also make the smart choice to stay on board in port? Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers...
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Cruisers Pick Their Best & Worst Lines RIGHT NOW! (Podcast #510)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
I'm constantly asked if I think that cruise lines are worse now than they used to be. After analysing how cruisers are rating them right now, the answer seems to be mostly yes. I've poured over the online reviews and ratings of 25 of the biggest cruise lines aimed at English-speaking cruisers over the last nine months. A staggering 20 of them are being rated lower than ever before, with just two being rated higher. Welcome aboard, I am Gary Bembridge and to make my findings as helpful as possible for you, I'm going reveal the current best and worst rated lines right now in each of the 5...
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River Cruise Lines To Steer Clear Of These Days. And Why! (Podcast #507)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
As I don’t want to waste my precious time and money on a European river cruise line that isn’t on top of their game, I've been diving into the latest cruise reviews and ratings, to see what lines are doing well and, maybe more importantly, what lines we might need to approach with more caution. There are 5 lines you should be wary of and they include some of the best-known names on the rivers of Europe. I was surprised about the first of the lines on the lower-scoring list as I had expected them to be rated better. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only...
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Too Few Cruisers Know About These 9 FREE Afternoon Teas At Sea (Podcast #509)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
As a HUGE fan of them, and because I see only a small percentage of passengers going to many of them, and as I think too many are missing out on one of the best culinary experiences on a cruise, I’m going to let you in on my list of the best included afternoon teas at sea, so you too know where you can indulge in this fantastic experience. “Cruise Calories Don’t Count” T-shirt you can buy it from my merchandise store in a range of colours: Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: ...
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I Test Seabourn Expedition Cruising To See Why Cruisers Are So Unhappy (Podcast #508)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Looking at reviews before heading off on Seabourn Venture, one of the new expedition ships from the ultra-luxury Seabourn line, I was concerned when I saw recent reviews calling it disappointing, saying it had unappealing food, the entertainment was abysmal, and the decor felt downscale versus other Seabourn ships. This is what I discovered when I went. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
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The Truth About Cruise Cabins: What Every Cruiser Should Know (Podcast #506)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
I look at 5 things that no-one, including cruise lines don't like to talk about, when it comes to cruise ship cabins - and why and how it is affecting the way passengers like you cruise and ingenious ways that the choices cruise lines are making on cabins means people are paying more to go cruising. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube:
info_outlineGary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
- Fascinating and revealing city to visit especially for history lovers
- Easy to see why it has been called "Pearl or Paris of the East" with broad avenues and remarkable buildings from their French ruled.
- People know of it for wrong reasons linked to Vietnam War.
History
French occupied and colonised in 1859 for about 100 years. Vietnamese struggle for independence started after WWII and led to battles with French ending in country being spilt into 2 at 17th Parralell in Geneva Accord in 1960s. With communist controlled north supported by Russia led by Ho Chi Minh and more western leaning south increasingly supported by USA by NGO Dinh Dien.
USA decided to see Vietnam as key to stopping spread of communism and entered war between North and South as North wanted to unite under their rule. Very violent and bloody war lasting two decades. USA pulled out support in 1973 but war carried on until North overan South culminating in tanks smashing through gates of presidential complex on 30 April 1975 and South unconditionally surrendering.
Vietnam is communist country with 1 party state. World's 2nd largest exporter of rice and coffee with high tech industry growing fast.
Safe country but has reputation of being corrupt.
Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest city in Vietnam but Hanoi in the North is the capital.
Vietnam has massive population close to 90 million (one of top 10 in world) - at least 9 million live in the city.
Getting there
Visa needed.
Large international airport eith new one being built opening in 2025
Rail terminal to many areas
Cruise - large ships dock at Phu My and smaller go right into Port Saigon
Best time to go
Tropical climate and gets very hot
Rainy May to Nov and Dry Dec to April (best time to go).
Getting Around
Millions of motorcycles - about 340000 cars and 3,5 million bikes
Developing a light rapid transit system
Taxis - lots
General Tips
- Most of the tourist sights within walking distance in District 1, helpful as no Hop-on Hop-off bus.
- Vietnamese Dong - $1 about 20,000 - most people refer to prices in dong without the 000s - many will take US$ including some attractions.
- Wi-fi in most cafés and restaurants - usually need password but they will provide.
- Most attractions close between 1130 and 1300
Things to do
Reunification Hall
Previously called Independence Hall
Former South Vietnam President's complex of working and living
War Remnants Museum
Used to be called Museum of American War Crimes - opened in September 1975
Aim is researching and collecting evidence of war crimes and attributes.
Norte Dame Cathedral
Built with materials all from France in 1800s
Municipal Theatre / Opera House
City Hall with Ho Chi Minh Statute
Museum of Vietnamese History and Botanical Gardens
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Designed as museum but used as Governors Palace and then French High Commissioner Residence and office and later Supreme Court.
Bitexco Tower and Saigon Skyview
Shopping
- Malls - many including Thuong Xa Tax
- High end stores near City Hall
- Ben Thanh Market
Further Afield
- Dai Nam Tourist Park
- Chi Chi Tunnels
- Cochi Tunnel Complex