Cruising has grown phenomenally over the past 40 years. There were a mere half-million passengers in 1970. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recorded that 12.6 million people cruised in 2007.

The following helpful tips will make your cruise trip the most enjoyable it can be.

1. Always use the services of a professional cruise consultant. There is a wide variety of choices available today, with many cruise lines and ship classes, as well as destinations and departure ports. A cruise consultant will discuss your needs and interests, prepare a personal profile and then find the vacation package right for you.

2. Be sure to purchase out of Province medical and trip cancellation insurance. Since most cruises are booked well in advance of the sailing date, the small investment will protect you in case of illness or any unforeseen difficulties that may result in you having to cancel your trip at the last minute.

3. Plan for the time of year that you wish to travel. Ships schedules vary depending on seasons:

Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe and Gulf regions: now year round
Other exotic destinations such as Australia, New Zealand and Asia have selected seasons established by the cruise lines, usually between November and March World Cruises (or segments thereof) begin in January

4. Each cruise line has an abundance of staterooms in various sizes, with comfortable beds, tv’s and tasteful décor. The four main types of cabins available include suites, balcony staterooms, ocean view staterooms and interior staterooms. Deck plans will show where the cabins are situated and the various levels. Suites can range in size up to 1600 square feet with 2-3 bedrooms for families. Other choices are mini suites, balcony staterooms and ocean-view staterooms, around 300 square feet. Interior staterooms are usually between 150-200 square feet.

5. Consider amenities and on-board activities that fit your lifestyle and interests. Amenities may include a fitness center, day spa, children’s programs, babysitting, internet access, casino, swimming pools, library, rock climbing, mini-golf, surf simulator, shows and movies under the stars, and educations programs to name a few.

6. Dining - cruises are known for their abundance of all-inclusive cuisine. Ships have fine dining rooms, specialty restaurants, lounges, snack bars and complimentary 24 hour room service. If interested in fine dining, reservations for 2 seating times can be made at the time of booking your cruise. Some cruise lines offer more flexible dining times. There may be an additional cost for some specialty restaurants.

With increasing gas prices and fewer international travel plans for American travelers, it’s hard to believe a European vacation is a possibility in the near future. Still, many Americans are heading overseas regardless of the state of the economy, and cashing in frequent flier miles, tracking down low-priced airfare and booking up European packages at discount rates. Some are cutting costs even further by venturing to hostels and making use of public transportation to explore the major cities and attractions. If you’re heading off on a European vacation this year, make sure you’re planning with these five essentials in mind:

1. Make reservations for Eurail. Taking the train isn’t as easy as it used to be, and as public transportation becomes the preferred choice of traveling for many, it’s harder to find a seat. Make reservations for cross-country treks so you always have a comfortable seat waiting.
2. Buy tickets to museums well in advance. Museums are a top tourist hotspot year round in most European cities, so it’s in your best interest to purchase your tickets in advance whenever possible. If you can’t buy them online, make sure you reserve your pass over the phone when you arrive at your destination city. Many major exhibits and events reach ‘sold out’ status within days of the opening, so be prepared to change your plans if needed.
3. Book your hostel stay online. Many ‘upscale’ hostels, or those with extra amenities and perks require advanced reservations, and you can check the status of openings by reviewing the hotel booking site online. Online booking has become easier than ever, and all you need is a credit card to reserve your spot.
4. Exchange currency before you leave. Don’t wait until you arrive at the airport or into your destination city to convert your dollars. It can be hard to track down a bank, and you may end up paying extra fees for the service. Plan ahead so you’re converting your dollars at a U.S. bank to save money and stress of the currency exchange.
5. Book your bus reservations online. If you prefer to ride the bus or ‘coach’ for a portion of your trip, make your reservations online; this will help you save time and you can plan your itinerary relatively easily with your seats booked well in advance.

While most people visiting Curacao spend their time on the gorgeous beaches or exploring some of the world’s best coral reefs, there are also a number of fascinating destinations within the island’s interior. If you are looking for adventure on land in Curacao, there is no better place to start than one of the national parks. Christoffelpark, Curacao’s largest and most ecologically-diverse nature preserve - Shete Boka, a site dedicated to sea turtles and the beautiful northern coastline - and Den Dunki, a historic site ideal for relaxation - each provide adventurous travelers numerous opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. If you want to experience the best of both worlds  in Curacao, make some time in your beach routine for a tour of the island’s national parks.

Curacao’s most well known park - Christoffelpark - features a vast expanse of trails that traverse up and around Mt. Christoffel. The easiest hikes can be enjoyed by families with small children, while adventurous travelers can devote the morning hours to an ascent of Mt. Christoffel. Regardless of which path you choose, there will be plenty of unique plants, birds and creature to identify. In fact, there are several species residing amongst the eight trails of Christoffelpark that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, including the Curacao White Tailed Deer and the Palabrua, a reclusive native owl. Even if you don’t feel up to hiking, the park can still be enjoyed by automobile, as a few scenic routes visit many of the park’s most striking sites.

Christoffelpark also has its share of historic sites, including one of the Curacao’s first plantations and well-preserved ruins of colonial buildings. While the Savonet plantation didn’t leave any structures behind, the wells and dams of this early colonial settlement are still visible throughout the park. The Zorgvlied plantation - perched on the side of Mt. Christoffel - features a number of interesting ruins, including the foundation of the original house and slave’s quarters.

Curacao’s most newly minted national park - Shete Boka - is located along the island’s rocky northern coast. The park begins at the picturesque inlet known as Boka Tabla. As you descend the rocks towards the Caribbean waves, you will find a series of steps carved into the cliffs that lead into a remarkable cavern. At the mouth of the precarious inlet, you can dangle your feet over the sea and watch the waves crash against the rocks. Above the cavern, you will find an incredible vista of Curacao’s windswept coast. A well-maintained dirt road leads from Boka Tabla to a series of six smaller caverns, two of which have dedicated hiking trails. In addition to being great places to enjoy a view of the Caribbean Sea, all of the inlets within Shete Boka are protected sea turtle breeding grounds.

The Boka Pistol Trail in Shete Boka offers visitors a chance to see one of the sea turtles’ hidden breeding grounds up close. In addition to the placid coves frequented by sea turtles, hikers will find plenty of spots worth photographing along the hour-long trek. As the trail follows a stretch of windswept shoreline, visitors can expect plenty of crashing waves and remarkable views from atop the limestone cliffs.

The Boka Wandomi Trail carves a calmer path, but the views are no less spectacular. Set amongst the same limestone cliffs as the Boka Pistol Trail, the Boka Wandomi Trail is known for its rolling, black lava hills and natural stone bridge resting above the Caribbean Sea. This trail leads back to the Boka Tabla trailhead and can be comfortably hiked in about one hour.