5 Small Changes That Made A HUGE Difference To My Cruises
Tips For Travellers
There are a few small things I do that significantly transform my cruises, including one tiny thing I did this week for my next cruise that took me less than 3 minutes and saved me almost $2,000. I have pulled all these small but transformative things I do together as I want to share with you five small and simple things that you can do that, I genuinely believe will transform your next cruise. There are 5 small and easy changes I made that have had a huge positive impact on my cruises and on-board experience. They have really improved my cruising no end. You should try these 5 things as I am...
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I Sent My Friend To The “Worst” Mediterranean Cruise Ports. Why? (podcast)
Tips For Travellers
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Tips For Travellers
Discover the things that smart and experienced cruise travellers have found works best to make for a stress-free, smooth and successful embarkation day. What you should do before, on the day, as soon as you are on board and on that first night to get the most of your first day boarding a cruise.
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People Still Fall For These 5 Mediterranean Cruise Traps! (podcast)
Tips For Travellers
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Tips For Travellers
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Tips For Travellers
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The Dos And Don'ts Of PANAMA CANAL CRUISES! (Podcast)
Tips For Travellers
Most people will do a Panama Canal once in their lifetime and, based on the multiple trips I have been fortunate to do, I have theses Do's and Don'ts for cruising the Panama Canal to help make sure you get what you can and should from that trip. I made many mistakes when I cruised the Panama Canal the first time, and since doing more Panama Canal transits I have seen other cruise passengers making the same mistakes. So, here are my Do's and Don'ts based on all of that.
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7 Worst Cruise Advice Cruisers Are Given All The Time - PODCAST
Tips For Travellers
l look at the 7 worst pieces of cruise advice that I hear, or see, being given to cruise passengers all the time – and what I you should do instead, and why.
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Tips For Travellers
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I Went From 2 To 10 Cruises A Year. Here’s What I Did - PODCAST
Tips For Travellers
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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