We’ve Been There. Now Let Us Take You.

The Travel Trio’s top 5 tips for first-time cruisers: (1) Fly in one day early — flight delays are the #1 reason people miss ships. (2) Pack a day bag with swimwear and essentials; your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin for hours. (3) Book shore excursions independently through Viator or GetYourGuide — you’ll save 30–50% versus booking through the cruise line. (4) Double your extra-expense budget — gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining add up fast. (5) Book during Wave Season (January–March) for the best promotions and cabin upgrades. See our full Cruise Tips and Tricks guide for all 13 recommendations.

Yes — Iceland is one of the best family destinations in the world. We completed the full 10-day Ring Road with our son and it remains one of our favorite family trips. Key tips: book accommodation 5–6 months in advance because family rooms sell out first, rent a 4WD vehicle even in summer, and visit in the shoulder season (May or September) for lower prices and fewer crowds. See our complete Iceland Ring Road family guide.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the best cruise line for solo travelers, offering nearly 1,000 solo studio cabins across their fleet with access to the exclusive Studio Lounge. Their newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, sets the current standard for solo cruising. For adult-only solo travel, Virgin Voyages is also excellent with no single supplement on many sailings. Full guide: Solo Cruising Guide 2026.

The best things to do in Turks and Caicos: Snorkel at Grace Bay Beach (consistently ranked among the world’s top 3 beaches), take a boat trip to uninhabited cays, kayak the bright-blue Chalk Sound National Park, go whale watching during humpback season (January–April), and explore Smith’s Reef — the best free-access snorkel site on the island. See our full Turks and Caicos travel guide.

The best cruise cabin location for avoiding seasickness is midship on a lower deck — ideally decks 3–6. This is the ship’s center of gravity where motion is minimal. Avoid cabins at the very front (bow) or back (stern), and avoid high decks where rocking is amplified. See our complete guide to choosing the best cruise cabin.

Our top ways to save: (1) Book independent shore excursions — local operators charge 30–50% less than the cruise line. (2) Book during Wave Season (January–March). (3) Own cruise line stock — 100+ shares of Carnival Corporation or Royal Caribbean Group qualifies you for $50–$250 in onboard credit. (4) Travel in May or early September for shoulder-season pricing. See our Alaska shore excursion guide for port-by-port recommendations.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the Dry Season, from December through April. This is when you’ll get the most reliable sunshine, the best road conditions, and the easiest access to national parks and beaches. December and January are ideal — crowds haven’t peaked yet and prices are more reasonable than February and March. If budget is a priority, consider the Green Season (May–November) — also called the rainy season. Despite the name, mornings are typically sunny with short afternoon showers. You’ll find significantly lower prices, emptier beaches, and lush, vibrant landscapes. July and August bring a “mini dry season” (veranillo) with a dip in rainfall, making them surprisingly popular for family trips. The one month we’d avoid for most travelers is October — it’s the rainiest month on the Pacific side and road conditions can be challenging. See our full Best Time to Visit Costa Rica guide.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from late September through late March — when nights are long and dark enough for the aurora to be visible. The absolute peak months are October, November, and February, when you get long dark nights but more stable weather than the depths of winter. To maximize your chances: (1) Get away from city lights — Reykjavík has significant light pollution. Drive 30–45 minutes outside the city for dramatically better views. (2) Check the aurora forecast daily at en.vedur.is — Iceland’s Met Office publishes a 1–9 activity scale. A rating of 3 or above with clear skies gives you a strong chance. (3) Be patient and flexible — the aurora is a natural phenomenon and never guaranteed. We recommend staying at least 5–7 nights to improve your odds. (4) Avoid a full moon — a bright moon reduces visibility. (5) Book accommodation outside the capital — farm stays and guesthouses in South Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or near Vík put you under much darker skies. See our complete Best Time to Visit Iceland guide for month-by-month detail.