I got invited to do an afternoon ride on a 1500cc Kawasaki Touring Bike recently. Up until then the biggest bike I had ever been on as a passenger was a 650cc Yamaha and it was only for about 40 minutes. After I turned 60, it wasn’t something I had on my bucket list but it didn’t stop me from taking up the challenge.

My personal experience included owning a 50cc scooter, which I purchased at age 57 and rode for a year before selling it because I was leaving the country for awhile. I knew how to ride with the bike and not lean the wrong way. I was also comfortable adjusting my seating when necessary when I was riding.

The motorcycle owner had never had a passenger on the bike so it was something new for him. He was surprised when I showed up with a proper motorcycle jacket to wear, even though the jacket wasn’t the most stylish. I had made the rounds of the thrift shops and found one for $5. That way if I didn’t enjoy the trip or he didn’t like having a passenger, it wasn’t a huge investment. I had a pair of hiking boots so I wore them to protect my feet. Otherwise I wore a pair of jeans. He supplied the helmet.

The next thing we did was spend some time driving up and down a few streets just so both of us could get a feel for the bike and riding together. Then we headed for the highway.

I’ve included a “youtube” video to give a passenger a bit more information obout what the driver is doing in front of you (hopefully!)

His motorcycle had footpads instead of pegs so I didn’t have much movement for my feet as we rode. I also found when he stopped that I slid forward a bit in the seat. It took awhile but I gradually got used to bracing my body for stops. I didn’t have chaps to wear which would have helped keep me from sliding as much. I rested my hands gently on each side of his waist. I knew enough not to grab him tightly.

We stopped every hour, which was good. It was very hard sitting without moving my feet and my knees weren’t used to staying in one position either. I also found it difficult to see what was in front of us without leaning out. I chose to sit quietly and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the ride.

Five hours later we were back to our starting point. It was early evening and even being prepared with the right clothing, it was chilly by then riding the bike. With all the fresh air too, I was ready for sleep!

I enjoyed my ride and the bike owner didn’t mind having a passenger. A few days later I was out to the thrift store once again, looking for more gear. I managed to find a modern leather jacket, chaps, and leather boots with rubber soles for under $100.

Our next trip will be 4 days of riding through the Rockies and then down to Whitefish, Montana. I’ll know after that trip whether I really like riding!

About the author:

Susan Gerle tries to experience as many new things as she can in her travels.

This article has been viewed: 75 times

Kelowna is situated in the Okanagan Valley of BC, 6 hours north of Spokane, Washington. It’s a vibrant vacation city with lots to do during the summer. Whether you are looking for beach time or tasting wines at the many cottage wineries, or going golfing, there is a lot to take in.

1.Kelowna’s Boardwalk

One of the nicest walks along the shores of Okanagan Lake is Kelowna’s Boardwalk. It starts at the bridge, goes through Kelowna City Park, then past the Yacht Club and the Grand Hotel and Casino. On summer weekends there is often music in the park. Continue on past the boat locks and into the beautiful marshland area. There are places to sit and just enjoy the view along the way.

2. Mission Creek Walkway

One of the easiest access points for Mission Creek walkway is on Springfirld road just north of Orchard Park Mall. The walkway meanders for a number of kilometers beside the creek. It is a great place to walk dogs (on leash, of course) or just to get some exercise in.

3. Lakeshore Wineries

There are many wineries located throughout Kelowna but one of the most populous is Lakeshore Rd., just east of Kelowna. Follow the road out along the lake for a few kilometers and stay to the right at the fork. Take time for lunch and sightseeing as well.

4.Bear Creek Park

Bear Creek Park is located across the lake from Kelowna. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown but worth the journey. You can walk up the trails above the park and get into some stunning scenery away from the bustle of the city.

5.Kelowna City Park

The park is a great place to take the kids. There is a large water play area situated in the center of the park, with lots of open space for picnicking. There is also a great beach area and swimming zones are marked. A short distance away you can rent ski-boats but you must have a valid boater’s certificate.

6.Knox Mountain Regional Park

For those tourists who enjoy mountain biking, Knox Mountain has some challenging hills. It is definitely a medium to advanced level climb. The mountain is also crisscrossed with good hiking trails. Access is restricted one weekend in May for the annual Knox Mountain Hill Climb.

7. Scandia Golf and Games

Scandia is another great place to take the kids. It has a mini golf course and a number of other things to do including a batting cage. Big kids enjoy it too! There is also a model formula car racetrack across the highway from Scandia and is open to all ages. Adults must accompany children. Both sites are located just north of Kelowna on Hwy 97.

8. Golf Courses

Ready to play 9 or 18 holes? Kelowna has some of the best golf courses around. Black Mountain, located on the way to Big White Ski Resort just outside of Kelowna and is one of the newest courses in BC. It’s a finalist for the Best New Course in Canada 2010. It is also the only golf course in the Okanagan Valley that has an island green.

9. Kettle Valley Railway

Myra Creek Trail on the historical Kettle Valley Railway is an ideal place to bike or walk. Take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy the view. The old railway trail extends 455 kms although some of it is still closed after the 2003 wildfires. It is well worth checking out.

10. Lake Cruises

One of the nicest ways to spend a summer day in Kelowna is to take a cruises. Executive Houseboats dock near the Grand Hotel and are available for private or public use. There is also a sailboat or motorboat tour available to visitors. For the more adventuresome consider taking a ride in a floatplane over the lake. Information is available on the boardwalk in front of the Grand.

Kelowna is a fantastic summer playground for children and adults. A number of festivals take place during July and August. Check out Kelowna’s website at www.tourismkelowna.com

About the author:

Susan Gerle lives in the Okanagan Valley and enjoys writing about the many local places.

This article has been viewed: 397 times

One of the nicest hiking areas in the Okanagan Valley of BC is in Kalamalka Lake Park. There are a number of entrances and trails in the park. My favorite trail begins at the red gate and is called Cosen’s Bay. It is situated about 3 kilometers from the north end of Kalamalka Lake and has some parking available at the trailhead.

The Cosen’s Bay hike is 7 km. in total. It is a beautiful swimming cove situated on a quiet area of the lake. There are picnic tables and toilet facilities available for hikers. It is an intermediate hike with some steep climbing, all on groomed trails. Dogs are required to be on leash, more for their own protection.

During the spring and fall it is quite common to see rattlesnakes and even the occasional black bear in the park. Both generally try to avoid contact with humans but for your pet’s safety and your own be aware of the dangers in the grass and trees off the path. Last year there was a very large rattler lying on the path, trying to soak up a bit of sun. They are pretty sluggish in early spring and a savvy hiker was able to remove it with a long stick. Don’t try it unless you are used to dealing with snakes.

The natural flora adapts well to the northern desert area and is very colorful during the late spring. Jumping cacti and pear cacti are common, as well as daisies and sunflowers and a variety of other perennials.

There are a few paths that go down to the lake off the main trail along the way. One is even wheelchair accessible from another parking area. The view from the trail is spectacular in places and at the first lookout over Cosen’s Bay there is a lovely cleared area with a bench.

Kalamalka Park also has many bike trails and one of the most popular ones shares the hiking path down to the bay. Many riders do a circle tour through the park. There are also sign posts and trail guides situated throughout the park.

An interesting side trip from the main trail is out along what is called Rattlesnake Point. It is a rocky but well-groomed hike to an area jutting out into the lake. There is very little chance of running into a rattler if you remain on the trail but don’t be surprised if you see one. The point is also a nice place for a refreshing swim or just to lie back and soak up the sun. Remember to bring your sunscreen though and your water bottle. The temperature can reach the low 40s during midsummer.

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is one of the most colorful lakes in BC and is well worth checking out. It is only a 5-hour drive from Vancouver. You can also fly into Kelowna and drive a half-hour north to enjoy the view.

For more information, check out http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/kalamalka_lk/

About the author:

Susan Gerle lives in Vernon, BC and does a lot of hiking at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park

This article has been viewed: 258 times

It is always a concern to try and stay in touch with family and friends while traveling to different parts of the globe. Here are a few ways to communicate when you are out of the country.

1.Local Phone Cards

I always carry a phone card with me when I travel in the US or Canada. The one I have used for 3 years now is Liberty/ Premier Plus combo card, which I purchase at London Drugs in Canada. It can be used for short or long calls. The only thing to be aware of is it expires 6 months from the first use. That’s better than other cards that often expire in 30 days.

2.International Phone Cards

Pretty well every country sells phone cards to make calls overseas. The hardest part is to find one that has an English voice option to follow instructions. Check before you leave an English speaking country to see if they have a card available that can be used throughout Europe for instance. Otherwise, if you drop into an international hostel, there is a good chance they will sell phone cards.

3.Disposable Cell Phones

Many countries sell disposable cell phones now. If you plan to be in the same region of Mexico for a few months, you can go into a local convenience store and buy a throw-away phone for approximately $20 that you can buy international minutes for. It may be expensive for local calls (but cheap to text) but there are great plans for calling the US or Canada through the local phone company. You will need someone to help you translate the instructions though.

4.Email

Of course, email is a very common way to stay in touch. Many countries offer Internet cafes for travelers. In some places, Internet may be quite expensive. If you can find a facility that caters to the locals, it will be a lot cheaper. It may take a few minutes to get used to the keyboard and figure out how to put in your password if you have a # sign or underscore, for instance. Remember, the keyboards are set up for that country. It’s a good idea to set up an easy password before you leave home.

5.Skype

Skyping is one of the easiest ways of communicating from anywhere in the world. There is no charge if you have it downloaded on your own laptop but you may have difficulty convincing an Internet café to download the program. They will often have MSN or Yahoo though. Set up accounts for each before you leave home for your holiday. The great thing about skype is how easy it is to do conference calls with your whole family, no matter where you live.

6.Video Cam

There’s nothing nicer than having eye to eye contact, especially if you’ve been away from home for a few weeks or months. The easiest way to video cam is through your own computer, of course, but some of the Internet cafes now have it set up on their computers. I have a portable video cam with the installation CD that I take with me in case I can talk the manager of the Internet café into installing the video cam.

I use video cam even when I am home. My first grandchild, who is 8 months old, lives a 6-hour drive away. Because I work fulltime when I am home, it is difficult to visit her as much as I would like. I decided to get her a video cam so I could talk to her on a regular basis. I have it connected to skype, so there is no charge to talk to her. She is also visiting with her relatives in England now on a regular basis.

There are many ways to communicate with people all over the world. With ipods and ipads becoming so popular it is even easier. Do some research before you leave to find out what is going to be the best way to stay in contact. You are never too far out of touch!

About the author:

Susan Gerle loves traveling and writing about her travels! Also check out her blog www.sexyboomeradventures.blogspot.com

This article has been viewed: 405 times

Vancouver is one of the easiest and friendliest cities in the world to navigate. From the time you arrive in the city, you can enjoy getting around and seeing things.

Of course you have all the car rental places available to you at the airport or downtown Vancouver. If you prefer other means of transportation, there is lots available. Whether you have accommodations in Vancouver or one of the bedroom communities, it is easy to maneuver around the city.

1. Skytrain

Reasonably priced Skytrain service leaves constantly from the airport and takes you right downtown to the waterfront if you want. From there you can access North Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam by Skytrain or Seabus. A train also leaves from the waterfront and travels out to the town of Mission with many stops along the way.

Once you settle into your accommodations, take the opportunity to ride all the Skytrain lines. This can be done in half a day for a very reasonable price and gives a good overview of the lower mainland, as the coastal communities are called. It won’t be as crowded if you leave after 9 AM and return before 3 PM. The greater Vancouver bus service is also easily accessible anywhere along the Skytrain route.

Huge shopping centres and a couple of casinos are easily accessible from the Skytrain. There is also no shortage of ethnic restaurants along the way.

2. Bus Service

Greyhound bus service leaves from near Main Street Skytrain Station at the old CN Train Station. There you can connect for ferry service over to Vancouver Island and the gulf islands from Tsawwassen. It’s a nice way to spend a sunny day. Or you can take a trip up to Horseshoe Bay and catch a ferry to Naniamo or the Sunshine Coast.

Take a local bus close to Waterfront Station and visit Capilano Canyon or Lynn Canyon or Cypress Bowl. The Grouse Mountain Chairlift has a fantastic view of the city and harbour.

3. Trolley Line

Try out the resurrected trolley line that leaves Granville Island. There are plans to extend the route later.

4. Foot Ferries

To get over to Granville Island, take one of the little foot ferries from various stops on the seawall near English Bay.

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley

There is also a Hop-On, Hop-Off Vancouver Trolley Car service. This travels all over the city for a very reasonable fee. You can stop wherever you want and enjoy the sites and then get back on when you are ready to continue.

6. Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

If you stop in Stanley Park, check on the horse drawn wagon rides. The rides are seasonal but take you all around the park in less than an hour.

7. Bicycles

Bicycles are becoming a more common means of tourist transportation in Vancouver. They can be rented at places down near Stanley Park. There are also sea kayaks for rent at English Bay.

8. Foot Power

Of course, there is always foot power and Vancouver is an extremely walkable city. The seawall starts at Canada Place in Coal Harbour and runs all the way around Stanley Park, under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, past BC Place Stadium and the Science Centre. It continues to Granville Island and eventually ends at Kitsalino Park. The complete distance is 22 KM. Or you can walk from Canada Place to English Bay around the park for a distance of 12 KM. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes!

There are many things to see and do in the city, and one of the most tourist friendly areas for walkers is the West End of Vancouver, just steps from the famous Stanley Park. People from all over the world take in the beautiful view overlooking the ocean with the majestic coast mountain range supplying the backdrop. Swimmers and sunbathers crowd the beaches on hot summer days. Hundreds of visitors also stroll side by side on the uncrowded walkways, breathing in the sea air.

Denman Street starts at English Bay and has a large selection of excellent ethnic restaurants. Many eateries have fantastic views overlooking the ocean and are open until late at night. At the East End of Denman is Coal Harbour, where the cruise ships and seaplanes come in. It is also a main docking area for the many yachts traveling the coastline from Los Angeles to Alaska. Some yachts offer day or evening cruises in Burrard Inlet. Most have meals and bar service available.

Nestled south of Denman is half of the highly populated West End. The odd 100-year-old house, surrounded by modern apartment buildings, is open to the public to view the history of the city. A quiet peacefulness permeates the streets of the neighbourhood. Children laugh and chase puppies in one of the local dog-walking parks situated at Nelson and Bute.

North of Denman, the area is also highly populated but has a couple of unique boutique hotels and restaurants hidden away on the peaceful streets. Continue walking and you will reach one of the many entrances to the path circling Stanley Park. Thank goodness Lord Stanley had a vision many decades ago for green space. There is even a great Pitch and Putt Golf Course in the park. Allow at least 3 hours for a walk around the park. There are many places to stop and take in the history, including the totem poles standing guard near the entrance. Even though there are a few nice restaurants to eat at in the park, you may prefer to get a takeout lunch and have a picnic on your journey.

There are many quaint neighbourhoods in the coastal city. Vancouver is definitely a place to add to your must-see list.

About the author:

Susan Gerle spends a lot of time visiting the city of Vancouver and especially likes the West End.

This article has been viewed: 382 times

Golf has become a much more popular sport amongst the general public over the last few years. The number of new challenging public golf courses in British Columbia that have been built recently attests to that.

Golf is not just a hobby. I have come to realize it is a lifestyle, especially amongst retirees or semi-retirees. People enjoy the camaraderie of their golf team out on the course, but golfing is all about the personal challenge. The golfer is constantly trying to better his (or her) own game.

The following are 7 of the best and most challenging courses in British Columbia for the serious golfer.

1. Big Sky – Whistler/ Pemberton

Take the time to drive the Pemberton Highway north of Whistler, Canada and experience Big Sky golfing. The view is out the world! It is snuggled in amongst the dramatic coastal mountain ranges at the base of the 8,000-foot Mt. Currie.

The course itself is considered one of the most lady-friendly golf courses in North America. The fact that it is also a destination resort makes it a nice getaway for a weekend. It is only a 3-hour drive from Vancouver
www.bigskygolf.com

2. Grey Wolf – Columbia/ Kootenay

There is something about being out in nature and watching deer or moose or even elk saunter across the green fairways in front of you. That is what you may experience in an early morning or twilight tee-off time at Grey Wolf Golf Course. It’s a good idea to carry your camera in your golf bag.

Located in the Columbia Valley, the course offers a beautiful mountain background setting and is one of 9 public courses in the Columbia Valley chain . It is well-known for its cliff hanger hole and great elevation changes. It is easily accessible from Calgary International Airport.
www.greywolf.com

3. Tobiano – Thompson/ Kamloops

Who would ever have thought that the scrub brush surrounding Kamloops Lake just 3 hours north of Vancouver, Canada would become a worldclass golf course? Thomas McBroom had a vision and turned the dream into reality. Golfers say it has the finest collection of holes on a course anywhere in North America.

The view from the undulating hills is magnificent, as is the challenge for the golfer. It isn’t just sand pits and water hazards that make the course interesting. Be prepared to lose a ball or two in the deep canyons around the course.
www.tobianogolf.com

4. Talking Rock – Thompson/ Shuswap

Talking Rock Golf Course is located near Kamloops, BC about a 4 hour drive from Vancouver. It is a totally different place to golf because of the way it was developed and what the area was developed for. Quaaout Lodge and Talking Rock is a retreat and conference centre built by the Little Shuswap Indian Band. It is rich in native cultural history.

The course is situated amongst mature growth trees and the 18th hole looks over a stunning view of Little Shuswap Lake. The golfing is challenging but the whole ambiance is very peaceful.
www.talkingrock.ca

5. Salmon Arm – Thomson/ Shuswap

The Salmon Arm Golf Course has been around for 80 years and is ranked #1 in BC by many golfers. It is one of the few courses in North America that has chosen to be community friendly. It really promotes to local golfers and gives them the opportunity to come out and golf for a reduced fee without having to take out a membership.

They have also developed a great dining venue, which attracts people from all over the district. It attracts new golfers once people come out for dinner and see what is available on site.
www.salmonarmgolf.com

6. Black Mountain – Okanagan

Black Mountain, located on the way to Big White Ski Resort just outside of Kelowna, British Columbia and is one of the newest courses in BC. It’s a finalist for the Best New Course in Canada 2010. It is also the only golf course in the Okanagan Valley that has an island green.

The location is fantastic as a destination whether you want to take in local wineries during your stay or also do some water activities. The green fees are very reasonable for the caliber of the course.
www.blackmountain.ca/golf

7. Predator Ridge – Okanagan

Predator Ridge is a challenging course located on the bench overlooking beautiful Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. In a matter of a few short years, Predator Ridge has become a world class destination golf resort. Don’t be surprised if you tee up with someone from Germany or Korea or Mumbai. It’s one of the most expensive courses to play in British Columbia but well worth experiencing it at least once.

Phone ahead for directions because your GPS will give you the shortest route, not necessarily the best route to get there!
www.predatorridge.com

Private golf clubs will always attract golfers. The social aspect of the club is very important. There is the opportunity to get together and travel to other clubs, which builds the camaraderie. Not having to worry about other people to golf with or tee times is a plus too.

Golf and Country Clubs are a little more exclusive and often restrict “outsiders” from enjoying club facilities. But that way of thinking is gradually changing with the number of new facilities available now. Some of the private clubs are changing their way of thinking and opening their doors finally with the number of new courses being constructed. The serious golfer has many opportunities now to experience world-class venues in his own backyard or one just down the road.

This article has been viewed: 507 times

I grew up as a polite conservative Canadian in Vancouver, Canada. Whenever I bumped into someone on the sidewalk I would say, “excuse me.” The person usually acknowledged my apology. As the demographic mix changed and the sidewalks got more crowded, fewer people took the time to say anything. I was frustrated by the lack of manners until I had the opportunity to visit some of the largest cities on earth.

Shanghai China has a population of 13,831,900 million people and is currently listed as the largest city in the world. In comparison, Vancouver Canada has 578,041 people (2006 census). Obviously, there is a difference!

My first introduction to Shanghai was in the back of a taxi so I didn’t understand right away what I would be up against if I was walking . I was there on business but had some free time planned for shopping. After getting a number of meetings out of the way, I decided to take a day off and discover a couple of the local market places.

My colleague had lived in Shanghai for a number of years before immigrating to Canada so was very familiar with the shopping districts. I was not. I had the street directions, also written in Chinese, thank goodness. I also knew where the local Starbucks was, because that was where I would meet my colleague later.

I figured that most of the workers would already be in their offices because it was after 9 AM. I was wrong. The sidewalks of Shanghai are never quiet. I also thought it would take probably 15 minutes to get to my destination. I finally arrived half an hour later after enduring the congestion. I now understood why no one said “excuse me.” I would have lost my voice by the time I had walked the first block!

When I finished my shopping, I gave myself extra time to get back to the coffee shop. It started raining and the whole crowded sidewalk came to a stand-still while people put up their umbrellas. Now, if you can imagine, umbrellas take up more room than a body. There was a great deal of shifting while everyone found a spot to stand. I was lucky because I was the tallest person in the crowd. There was a ceiling of black below me as I looked around as far as I could see.

After my experience in Shanghai, I figured Mexico City would be the same. I was surprised that it wasn’t. Mexico City has a population of 8,841,916 million people. I came to the conclusion that half the people in the city drive not walk. It is no wonder that people are restricted in the number of days they are allowed to drive their vehicles. They tend to get around the issue by owning 2 vehicles so they can drive each car alternate days. It takes 3 hours to drive from one end of the city to the other.

Whenever I reached a place I wanted to visit, there seemed to be lots of room for walking. I made sure I avoided being out on the streets at 2 PM though because that is the time for the main meal of the day for Mexicans. Otherwise, as a foot passenger, I didn’t have too much trouble!

New York City has a population of 8,363,710 million people and I figure that at least half of them are looking up and the other half are looking down at any given time. The ones who are looking up are normally tourists. There are a number of pedestrian collisions, but more as a result of not watching where one is going.

Where I found the heaviest congestion was in the stores. New Yorkers appear to love shopping. After my first experience, I realized I had to allow lineup time. Shoppers seem okay with the time they have to stand in line. I even noticed the odd person catching up on their reading.

The other line-ups were at restaurants. Again, no one was frustrated or rude. This was just part of the New York experience.

The only time there is a real sidewalk traffic jam is when someone famous is in town, which occurs on a daily basis. While I was there, the US President Obama was visiting, as were Morgan Freeman and Oprah. The thing I learned quickly was to ask who the celebrity was so I didn’t spend time waiting around a sidewalk for someone I really didn’t want to see.

Times Square is really congested of course. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, the business of the sidewalks is constant. Because so many are tourists, there is always a carnival atmosphere. And if it’s too busy, just sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Source – Wikepedia – List of the most populous cities in the world

About the author:

Susan Gerle travels and writes and writes to travel! Check out her blog too for other articles at www.sexyboomeradventures.blogspot.com

This article has been viewed: 142 times

There is nothing nicer than relaxing on a ship out in the middle of the ocean, soaking up the sunshine as you cruise down the West Coast of Mexico. It’s a fantastic and cheap last minute holiday for your over-stressed mind. It can be a romantic getaway or a chance to have a holiday with friends or family. Nowadays it is so easy to get from Vancouver, Canada down to one of the departure ports in California.

I always like to arrive a day before my ship sails, so I have a chance to enjoy some of the area that I’m sailing from. Also, if my luggage got left behind, it has time to catch up with me. Sailing out of a major port is always such a wonderful experience. It’s fun watching the people on shore, waving to them, listening to the music as the ship leave the harbor.

Of course you’re all set to have this wonderful experience and all you want is to be sitting in the bar with a drink in your hand but there are a few housekeeping rules that have to be gone over the first. The major one of course is the lifeboat drill. Expect to be held up for about an hour while you learn to line up, put your life jacket on, and find out which lifeboat station you are required to report to should there be an incidence. In all that time I’ve been cruising I’ve never had to use a lifeboat!

Now comes the joy of finding your room. On a ship with seven stories and many hallways the first day or two you spend a lot of time lost. That’s okay because the ship is huge and there are lots of things to see as you try to find your room! It’s also a good way of meeting new people.

There are a number of cruises on the Mexican Riviera that you can take. The last one I was on made its first stop at the end of the Baja Peninsula. There is a beautiful natural arch where you approach the city of Cabo San Lucas. It’s not surprising to see whales on their migration route jumping and playing in the surf. In fact the ship often gets close enough to take really great pictures. Depending on the ship’s itinerary you may have half a day or a full day in port.

If you do have at least a full day take the opportunity to go into one of the quiet coves, which you can do by chartered boat or yacht. The ship will have all the information you need to make these decisions and the prices involved. Take your bathing suit and enjoy a swim in the surf. The sands are absolutely beautiful there. If you don’t have too much time to spend, Cabo San Lucas is a nice place just to wander around. There isn’t much shopping available near the water but there are some fantastic restaurants. Check before you leave the ship and asked where a couple of the best places are to eat. Most eateries are located down by the boat launch.

You’re going to be spending a certain amount of time at sea of course. As you journey down the coast, check out what is available on ship for shopping. That way you can price the souvenirs before you leave the ship. Sometimes the prices are better onboard than in some of the tourist areas on shore. The other thing to note is often the ships stores will have tremendous sales rate before you get back to port. So you can pick up lots of T-shirts and other momentos from your trip at a very reasonable cost.

The next stop on the last cruise I took was Mazatlan. Mazatlan really gives you a feeling of what the real Mexico is like, unless of course you stay right around the beach area for your whole onshore experience. If you do take the bus or a taxi into the downtown area you will find wonderful modern shopping area. The prices of the clothing and the shoes are very reasonable because this is where the locals shop. Go into some of the restaurants and check out cost and cleanliness before deciding where you want to eat. The meals are about one third less than what you would pay in the beach tourist areas.

It’s always good when you’re on ship to find out what entertainment is going to be available to you each night. There might be dancing, musical reviews, or even a stand up comic in one of the show lounges on the ship. Most of the ships now have casinos too for those of you who like to spend a little more money. During the daytime there are exercise rooms (if you happen to eat too much) and many cruise lines now have climbing walls. Or you can just lie around one of the pools and soak up the rays.

There are so many choices of places to dine and choices of meals on the cruise ship. Take the time to check out what is available to you. Getting all dressed up for dinner used to be one of the main events on a cruise ship. A lot of younger families choose not to do the fine dining offered but will take in the barbecues or various other deck meals that are available to them. But if you are still one that wants to be able to dress up and go out and dine in splendor it is still well worth packing an extra suit case of fine clothes.

Check your table reservations too because you may find yourself sitting at a table for eight looking at your partner. Now if that is what you want to experience that’s okay but you can ask the maitre d’ on the ship to please move you to another spot where there’s a number of other people also dining. It’s really interesting the people you meet and where they live. They are often from all parts of the world and all walks of life.

There is usually only one night that it is expected that you will really get dressed up in the main dining room. That is the night of the captain’s dinner. The rest of the time it is okay to come in just a nice pair of dress slacks and shirt with pullover, or a skirt and a blouse. In the dining room they do frown on flip-flops, or sandals and shorts, and will quietly ask you to please return to your room and put on something a little more suitable for the occasion.

Tipping is now a fixed expense on a cruise and is included in the fare. But if you have an exceptionally good server or room attendant, find out their name so you can leave a tip for them at the end of the cruise. Make sure the money is put in a separate envelope for them. The people working on the cruise ships are often from 3rd world countries and get very little pay for what they do. They don’t see their families for months and really depend on tips for any extras because they send all their pay home.

Liquor is an extra cost even though all your food and non-alcoholic beverages are included. You cannot bring liquor onto the boat with you unless it is packed in your luggage already. If you go to a liquor store on shore they will take the bottle away from you when you get back on the ship.

Jungle Trail in Puerto Vallarta

Traditional entertainment is also available throughout the day and evening at no cost, although donations are gratefully accepted. The famous Paplanta Flyers circle their way head first toward the ground as the flute and drum players keep the rhythm. The Arches are the backdrop for many hourly folklore presentations. The Malecon has a carnival atmosphere and vendors and artists sell their wares along the way. It is well worth tasting the roasted corn, a staple in Mexico, or trying some horchata, a sweet rice drink.

At any point along the way, you can turn off to check out the local markets and even swinging bridges to carefully cross. Thousand year old trees are perfect backdrops for pictures along the river. Don’t be surprised to see an iguana sunning himself in the early morning! The Malecon is only three blocks from traditional Mexico if you want to experience some very reasonably priced pastries or tacos.

Or you may want to take a boat tour out into Banderas Bay or have fun in the jungle doing a zip line adventure. This information is available on board ship before you arrive in port. Be prepared for a fun day!

I always try to do as much as I can onshore because I’ll have lots of time on the return trip to put my feet up and just relax. Even on a seven-day cruise, by the time I get home I feel like I’ve been gone for about three weeks because I have done and seen so much!

About the author:

Susan Gerle has been traveling extensively since the 1990s. She began publishing human interest articles and short stories in 1998. She also co-authored and published “Ingles Facil” a language book for Spanish speakers learning English. Susan has recently started writing for globetales about some of her travel experiences. You can also read some of her non-travel articles on her blog www.sexyboomeradventures.blogspot.com

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