Travel Resources
Practical guidance, no jargon.
Short, useful notes on the questions Carol gets asked most. If your question isn't covered here, Carol will answer it directly.
Important: Passport, visa, identification and health requirements change and vary by destination. Anything on this page related to travel documents or government requirements should be verified through official government sources before you travel. Carol can point you in the right direction, but official sources are the authority.
Travel Tips
The small things that make a trip smoother.
- Book the earliest flight of the day when connections are tight
- Photograph your luggage before you check it
- Keep one change of clothes in your carry-on
Cruise Planning
Choosing the ship matters more than choosing the itinerary.
- Fly into the departure city a day early
- Compare ship size and onboard style before ports
- Book popular shore excursions well before sailing
Passport Information
Documentation timelines catch people off guard.
- Check your passport's expiration and remaining blank pages early
- Many destinations require validity beyond your return date
- Renewal processing times vary by season
Verify current requirements through official government sources.
Ask Carol about this →Packing Tips
Pack for the trip you're actually taking.
- Roll clothing and use packing cubes by day, not by category
- Carry medications and valuables with you, never checked
- Leave room — you'll come home with more than you left with
Family Travel
Happy kids make a happy vacation.
- Build one unscheduled day into every week
- Ask about kids' club ages and hours before booking
- Connecting rooms and suites go fast — request them early
International Travel
A little preparation prevents most surprises.
- Confirm entry, visa and health requirements before booking
- Tell your bank and phone carrier your travel dates
- Save offline maps and your accommodation address
Verify current requirements through official government sources.
Ask Carol about this →Resort Travel
Not all all-inclusives include the same things.
- Ask what's genuinely included versus an upcharge
- Room location can matter more than room category
- Share food preferences early so Carol can match the property
Travel Checklists
Simple lists for the weeks before departure.
- 60 days out: documents, deposits, time off approved
- 14 days out: check-in details, transfers, currency
- 48 hours out: pack, confirm, print or save everything
Deposits & Payments
Many trips require a deposit to secure your reservation. Deposit amounts, payment schedules, and final-payment dates vary by destination, supplier, and travel arrangements. Carol will review applicable payment requirements with you before your reservation is confirmed.
Secure, flexible payments
Payments are processed safely and securely. Individual payment arrangements and payment plans may be available depending on your trip.
Have a question that isn't answered here?
Ask Carol directly — she'd rather answer it than have you guess.