24 Creative Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas
The purpose of a present is to make the recipient feel treasured, and with a little special care in the gift wrap, you can do just that.
Here are 24 creative gift wrap ideas.
1. Wrap your gifts with another gift. For example, you might wrap a gift with a bright new silk scarf. Wrap a gift for a gourmet with a pretty printed kitchen towel. Wrap a gift for a child in a fun and colorful new T shirt, and a gift for a baby in a receiving blanket. Tie a gift for a man with a new necktie. Finish a gift for a woman with a new necklace.
2. Strive to use wrap that coordinates with the gift. For example, use fun scrapbooking paper for a crafter and copies of old maps for a traveler.
3. Print your favorite family photos of the year onto plain white paper and use for wrapping small treasures.
4. Use fabric scraps and ribbon. Each time you are in a discount store, stop by the fabric clearance section. You can often find elegant and unique supplies at a deep discount.
5. Cut shapes or monograms from cardstock or old holiday greeting cards and hang from ribbon, jute or yarn.
6. Make your own gift wrap with waxed paper and the embellishments of your choice. First, cover your ironing board with a cloth. Take a sheet of waxed paper and lay it flat on the cloth. Adorn the paper with flower petals, confetti, dried leaves, anything you like that is relatively flat. Now put another piece of waxed paper on top. Place another cloth on top of the waxed paper and run a hot iron over the top. The heat from your iron will seal the edges together.
7. Recycle gift wrap from previous years.
8. Sew simple fabric gift bags that can be reused year after year.
9. Adorn the gift with silk flowers or small charms. The scrapbooking industry has made available so many amazing little embellishments that are perfect for adorning gifts.
10. Use rubber stamps to stamp the name or monogram of the recipient (or a special holiday message).
11. Use a particular section of the newspaper as gift wrap. Whether it is the comics or the sports page, this is an easy, inexpensive way to add a personal touch, especially when combined with one of these other techniques.
12. Fold a gift box from holiday cards.
13. Wrap a gift in a drawing or painting that your children have made.
14. Use natural elements from your backyard to adorn gifts. Pine boughs or pine cones, dried grasses, and dried leaves are all charming choices.
15. Purchase plain paper and ask your children to decorate the wrapped item or gift bag with drawings and special messages.
16. Browse flea markets, garage sales, or dollar stores for inexpensive and unique boxes, bags, and bows. You can even decoupage an old cigar box with photos or memorabilia and create a gift box that is a gift in itself.
17. Use stamps, stencils and stickers to dress up plain white or brown paper.
18. If you have young children, ask them to make handprints on plain white or brown gift wrap before wrapping presents for their grandparents.
19. Create a scavenger hunt to lead them on a search for their gift. My kids love to find their presents through a series of clues, and it builds such lively anticipation for the present itself.
20. Find an inexpensive purse or handbag at a discount store and package a range of gifts inside. You might even include a new wallet with a gift card or two.
21. Purchase inexpensive balsa wood boxes at craft or hobby stores. Paint them and adorn with stickers, rhinestones, and beads. The gift box becomes a one of a kind treasure box. This is especially appreciated among young children, who love new keepsake boxes.
22. Tie an old fashioned rattle on a gift for a baby.
23. Use cloth diapers for a baby gift and attach with jumbo diaper pins.
24. Create a gift basket. Fill the basket with colorful crumpled paper, tinsel, raffia or straw. Assemble small gift items inside into an attractive display. Top it all of with colorful, decorative cellophane. The cellophane should be at least twice as wide as the diameter of the basket. Place the basket in the middle of the cellophane and gather the excess at the top, tying it with a shiny ribbon.
With a little extra time and attention, you can make a memorable gift even more so by choosing materials and gift wrap that suits the personality and style of the recipient.
Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com and Susies-Coupons.com, where she hand picks the best online coupons, including coupons for photo processing and photo gifts and coupons for gift wrap supplies.
Celebrate Father’s Day With Flowers
Father’s Day is a great time of year to celebrate how wonderful dad has been for all of these years. Mom gets her day, so it is only fair that dad gets his. The only dilemma is what to get dad for Father’s Day. Mom gets candies, flowers, and other gifts and dad is usually the recipient of his one hundredth baseball cap or necktie. It is only fair to break the Father’s Day gift monotony by doing something a little different that makes him feel as special as mom does on her special day.
To make dad feel special, try giving him the gift of nature, which is flowers. Some may feel that flowers are too feminine, but men love flowers too. The reason is because they have a pleasant fragrance, they look nice, and the emotions that are derived from receiving flowers are all positive. Even after they have been received, looking at them and knowing where they came from can make dad’s day an even brighter one.
What kind to get
Men do have a softer side to them whether they admit it or not. There are plenty of men who enjoy gardening or buying fresh flowers for their homes. Simply hanging out at the local greenhouse will reveal this and these men are not shopping for their wives. They are men who know exactly what they want and exactly how they want their flower garden to look. When receiving flowers for Father’s Day, A smile will surely come over his face when he receives this expression of love. If in doubt as to which flower is the best flower to express that love, there are certain flowers that men tend to like. Some do enjoy roses because of what they represent, but there are other flowers that he may really enjoy.
Flowers that would be ideal for Father’s Day are:
- If dad likes roses, then white and red roses may be ideal. These are flowers that have a great deal of architecture to them and they are also the official flowers of Father’s Day. However, it is typical that a white rose is worn on the lapel for a father who has passed away and a red rose for a father who is still living.
- To be a little different and stray away from the traditional flower, try something bold or something tropical. Anything with bold colors or a tropical flower really appeals to men. These are flowers that show strength and uniqueness. Dads are strong and these types of flowers last a long time, which makes them a great gift for dad.
- In terms of colors, anything that is red, orange, yellow, or purple with a linear design is really going to appeal to a man. There is something intelligent about a linear arrangement that men love.
- Contemporary arrangements are quite trendy and men enjoy those as well. One may opt for a mixture of flowers within a certain color theme. An individual may choose to buy dad a bouquet of red roses and yellow daisies.
A great gift idea
Flowers certainly make a great Father’s Day gift. They can also be presented to him along with candies, balloons, and so much more. If it is tradition to give Dad that one hundredth baseball cap, give it to him with flowers. There are so many possibilities, especially in how flowers and gifts can be packaged together that it is hard to go wrong. Most importantly, dad will feel the appreciation and will always remember his bold and beautiful Father’s Day gift.
Celebrate Dad with wonderful Father’s Day flowers from Fathers Day Flowers Toronto
The Apparent Rising Cost of UK Attractions
The main point of the article was “the unadvertised extra costs… that add up, sending the price of the a day out spiralling.” The cost of visiting attractions on their own is not, however, so crushing. If one looks hard enough, family breaks can be found for as little as 125 GBP for a family of four - which includes entry to a top theme park and a hotel stay for the night. Not a bad price to pay considering the amount of fun on offer.
The article continued to suggest that extras such as parking, petrol, lunch and souvenirs are the real crippling factor of these excursions which can be true, to a certain extent. But then again, there are always ways to avoid these expenses.
First and foremost, the issue of food: It is true that a meal for four can cost almost 100 GBP with drinks and deserts, but with the summer well on its way, why not enjoy a tasty picnic with the family. Picnics are a great way to cut the price of the trip and great fun for the kids. Get them involved in making the sandwiches and packing the basket before you leave and they will love stopping for food later in the day.
The price of petrol is ridiculously high at around 1.20 per litre (depending on your area) which can soon add up if you are travelling a long distance. This, unfortunately, cannot be helped. But in a new green age, where the emphasis is on cutting carbon emissions and using public transport, why not do your bit and catch the train? Pre-booking your rail fare can significantly reduce the price of your trip and in many areas there are group discounts available as well. In Kent, for example, you can save 50% on your rail fare when four passengers book at the same time. This means a return trip from Ashford to London can cost as little as 10 GBP per person.
Some of the charges mentioned are certainly unavoidable, and possibly classed as collateral. When you venture into theme park land, you are fully aware that you are going to have to stop and buy an ice cream for the kids. But in reality, it is almost impossible to go anywhere, even your local swimming pool without forking out for a lollipop or a ride on Bob the Builder. These expenses are laid out even before you leave the house.
The customer needs to be more savvy in these situations and realise what the expenses are likely to amount to. If you are paying 98 GBP for a family of four to visit Alton Towers, then you have probably got another ten pounds spare to buy ice creams. If you are going swimming for the afternoon, then you probably have 50p spare for a fun ride afterwards. It’s not exactly rocket science, this parenting game - more common sense.
Samantha is an expert Research and Theatre consultant. Her current interests are UK shortbreaks including LEGOLAND Windsor and Drayton Manor..
Independence Day in Austin
Independence Day is quickly approaching, and there are many ways to celebrate the birth of our country in Austin and the surrounding area. There are numerous fireworks displays as well as performances by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and other musical events in different locales in the county area. Until a few years ago, the huge, city-sponsored pyrotechnics display was held downtown over Lady Bird Lake, which was called Town Lake then, but the yearly celebration moved to Zilker Park a few years ago.
The celebration will be held again over the lake this year, and the event, which is sponsored by the HEB grocery chain, will feature the Austin Symphony Orchestra under the apt musical direction of Peter Bay.
The 1812 Overture, accompanied by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannons, courtesy of the Texas National Guard Salute Battery, is usually the centerpiece of the yearly city fireworks display, and this year the celebration will be held at Auditorium Shores in front of the new Long Center for the Performing Arts, on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. Many residents and visitors bring picnics and lawn chairs to the fireworks show, and concessions are available at the site.
No alcohol or glass containers are permitted, but many food items and other party favors, such as the ever-popular neon light sticks and jewelry, are offered for sale by vendors who set up booths on the perimeter of the grounds of Auditorium Shores. The celebration officially begins at 8:30pm, and frequently more than 100,000 people attend the yearly event. It is illegal to set off fireworks in the city limit, so the city-sponsored event, with the support of HEB, is the perfect way to enjoy the fireworks without the danger of setting them off yourself in the City of Austin.
Other nearby celebrations include the Frontier Days celebration in Round Rock, a small city north of Austin, which includes a parade which winds down Main Street and ends up in Old Settler’s Park, and this event includes fireworks as well as arts and crafts, free watermelon, and a reenactment of the Sam Bass shootout during the Western Traditions themed celebration. This year, a skydiver will jump into the crowd at the Independence Day event!
In nearby San Marcos, which is a short drive south on Interstate 35, the San Marcos Summerfest is held in San Marcos Plaza Park, which is on the banks of the beautiful San Marcos River. This is the 28th year the celebration has been held, and various musical acts will perform, including a blues band from L.A. This event also includes fireworks, a children’s parade and costume contest, and the Lion’s Club tube rental will be open in City Park all day for those who are brave enough to tube on the river during the event. What a great way to watch the fireworks, floating down the river!
Other celebrations that include fireworks closer to home include the yearly Lake Travis fireworks display, which is held at Volente Beach on the north shore of the lake. This event has a $3.00 admission charge, but celebrants may also gain admission by bringing a gently used book to donate. There is also an all day celebration in the city of Lakeway, at the city park, which includes a parade with floats and contests. This event culminates with the fireworks display, held right after sunset. Many visitors to this celebration arrive by boat from nearby homes and communities, and by the evening, Hurst Cove, which is where the boats gather, is crowded with spectators ready to watch the gorgeous display over the clear waters of Lake Travis.
Carlos and Charlie’s restaurant rounds out the lake area celebrations, with a yearly display in Devil’s Cove, where the restaurant is located, which draws a very large crowd too. There are many ways to celebrate the birth of the nation in Austin, and most are free as well as family-oriented, so make plans now for the event of your choice!
Ki works in the Austin real estate market. His site provides a search for Austin homes along with information on Austin commercial real estate.
Best Gits For Her
Often, the most special people in our lives are the ones who receive the least recognition. Think about everything that the special woman in your life does for you. Maybe she works all day, but still manages to take care of the house and the family. Maybe she stays home with the kids and makes all of your meals from scratch. Maybe she always makes sure that you have clean socks in your drawer. No matter what your particular situation, everything that she does is a gift from her heart; she gives you these gifts freely and doesn’t ask for anything in return.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day distractions and forget to tell her just how much she means to you. Don’t wait for a special occasion or a holiday to show the woman you love just how much you appreciate her and everything she does so unselfishly every day. Give her a gift from your heart to hers to show her how incredible she is.
Giving a gift to a woman can be a tricky prospect for a lot of men. They get nervous because they think that they won’t be able to find something good enough or meaningful enough. Buying a gift for someone you love shouldn’t be so stressful. Every woman is different, but there are a few guidelines that you can follow to help you choose a memorable and appreciated gift for the woman who you cherish.
Most women value the feeling behind the gift much more than the actual gift. Just ask any woman about the most special gift she’s ever received, and the chances are that she won’t name the most expensive one, she’ll name a gift that seemed small to the giver but had so much love attached to it that she’ll remember it forever.
Likewise, most women won’t remember the gifts of chocolates or flowers; these gifts are sweet, but the sentiment only lasts as long as the candy or the roses. They don’t take much effort and she knows that you didn’t have to put much thought into them. They are appreciated, but are they really special enough for the woman who completes you?
To give a truly memorable gift, think about what she loves and what she enjoys. Does she enjoy gardening? Does she always make time to read a good book? Is she a painter or musician or bicyclist at heart? Or does she just like to relax in a hot bath after a long day? Knowing what makes her happy and what she likes doing in her spare time are the first steps toward picking out the best gifts for her.
Just showing the woman in your life that you know her and listen to her is one of the best gifts of all. By giving a gift that relates to her interests, you will let her know that her happiness is important to you and that you want her to enjoy the things that she loves. Generic gifts that you could have given to anyone will not make her feel appreciated in the least.
Whether you are giving a gift for everyday or you need ideas for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or special occasions, just learning to pay attention to her wants and interests is the secret to picking out the perfect gift every time. Even if she doesn’t say that she wants something (and many women are reluctant to say what kind of gift they want), you will be able to choose a great gift just by knowing exactly what makes her smile.
Don Hollingsworth of BestGiftWorld.com feels that men very often fail to find truly meaningful gifts for their ladies because new ideas are hard to find. Visit http://www.bestgiftworld.com to take advantage.
Best Gift World
How to Make the Most Out of Your Next Camping Trip
Are you interested in going camping? If you are like many other campers, you may be looking to go camping for a more than a day. If you are interested in doing so, you are doing more than just going camping; you are actually taking a camping trip. Unfortunately, extended camping trips give many opportunities for boredom, but there are many steps that you can take to make the most out of your camping trip.
When it comes to making the most out of your next camping trip, you are advised to examine what your intended goals are. For instance, are you looking to have your camping trip double as a family vacation or are you interested in using your camping trip as a romantic getaway? This is an important question that you should take the time to answer, as it may have an impact on how you can go about making the most out of your next vacation.
Whether you are interested in using your camping trip as a romantic getaway or a family vacation, one of the many ways that you can make the most out of your camping trip is by taking part in all of the activities that you are granted access to. In many campground parks, you will find that you can do much more than camping. For instance, many campground parks have lakes, which you can go boating, fishing, or swimming, on or in. It is also common to find hiking trails that you can hike and so forth. When you pay an admission fee at a campground park, you are, essentially, paying to participate in all these activities; therefore, you should take advantage of them.
In addition to gaining access to many standard,
campground park activities, you may also want to think about creating your own. For instance, if you are taking a camping trip with your family, you may want to think about brining along some board games or outdoor sporting equipment. This may help to make your next camping trip enjoyable for everyone; especially if you let your children help you plan your camping trip, such as the activities that you will all participate in.
Another one of the many ways that you can go about making the most out of your next camping trip is by preparing for the unexpected. When we go camping, we all hope that there will be clear, sunny skies. Unfortunately, we all know that the weather often has its own plans. If you have campground park reservations in place, there is a good chance that you do not want to cancel those reservations just because of bad or rainy weather. If this is a situation that you end up running into, you may want to consider brining along additional supplies. These supplies may include board games, transportable entertainment items, and so forth.
In addition to camping and enjoying many outdoor activities, camping is also often associated with eating outdoors, namely at barbeques. Many campground parks have picnic tables and barbeque pits at each of their campsites. Should you have access to these neat camping accessories, you will want to make full use out of them. Yes, driving a few minutes away to eat fast food or at a fancy restaurant may sound appealing, but why would you want to or need to do so when you should have everything that you could want or need, food wise, right at your own private campsite?
As outlined above, there are a number of different ways that you can go about making the most out of your next camping trip. Perhaps, the most important thing to remember is that your campground park should be filled with an unlimited number of outdoor and possibly even indoor activities. Since your admission fee includes these activities, you should make sure that you get great use out of them. Not only will you get your money’s worth, but you and the rest of your camping party should have a fun, exciting, and memorable time.
Alan Richardson is the owner of The Sports Equipment Site where you will find a massive selection of deals on sporting equipment and apparel.
A Quick and Easy Father’s Day Craft for Kids
If you’ve got younger children, there’s little doubt that you’re looking for some quick and easy Father’s Day crafts to do with your kids. Children absolutely love to give Dad something that they made themselves for Father’s Day… so here’s a really simple gift for Dad’s Day… a pencil holder.
Okay, I know that pencil holders aren’t really new, but Dad can always use one, they are really unique, and they can take on any type of personality or theme! Plus, they make a really quick and easy Father’s Day craft that kids can do themselves!
Here’s how to make one:
You’ll need to start with a clean can. I like to use the cardboard cans with a flip/pop up top that chow mein noodles and potato chips come in because they don’t have sharp edges, but you can also use any other kind of can you want. Make sure that your can isn’t sharp around the edges… wouldn’t want the kids to get hurt while decorating it or have Dad cut his finger when reaching in for a pencil!
Once you have the can, you can decorate it in a variety of ways… here are some ideas depending on the age and capability of your child:
1. Wrap the can with construction paper. Then you can decorate the paper with markers, crayons, stickers, foam pieces, etc.
2. Wrap the can with construction paper. Use pictures of your child or children to decorate the pencil holder.
3. Wrap the can with construction paper. Stamp the child’s handprints, footprints, or fingerprints on the paper.
4. Paint popsicle sticks and glue them around the can.
5. Gather sticks from outside. Cut or break them to the correct height of the can and hot glue them to the can to make a *green* project.
6. Glue different shapes of macaroni around the outside of the can. After the glue dries, spray paint the can Dad’s favorite color.
7. Wrap yarn around the can from top to bottom.
8. Glue on animal ears, nose, mouth, etc. to make Dad’s favorite animal into a pencil holder.
9. Glue felt or scraps of material onto the can to make any kind of design you want.
10. Glue shells, small pebbles, buttons, etc. to the can to make a *themed* pencil holder.
One other note… although I’ve given you lots of ideas about how you can decorate Dad’s pencil holder for Father’s Day, don’t forget that you can also decorate it according to a theme that means something to him. For example, you could make a pencil holder with a golf theme, fishing theme, sports theme, etc.
Pencil holders might not be something really new when it comes to children’s crafts, but they really make a nice, quick, and easy Father’s Day craft that kids can make for Dad.
If you like this idea, visit FreeKidCrafts.com for hundreds of fun, creative, and educational ideas for all ages! We even have Little Kid Crafts!
4 Interesting Ways To Enjoy Florida Fishing In Central Florida
A fun, family friendly activity for a Sunshine State vacation is fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler, just beginning, or have never considered it before, Florida fishing offers something everyone will enjoy. Central Florida alone has over 550 picturesque lakes that are ideal for the thrilling sport of fishing.
Florida Fishing Tour Packages
One of the best ways to learn about the prime fishing holes in Florida is by signing up for a Florida fishing tour package. The guides for these tours are experts in assisting both advanced and novice anglers in making Florida fishing an adventure. Tour guides can help visitors with everything from showing the best fishing spots around a lake to recommending the best bait to lure in the big ones.
Airboat Explorations
For an exciting lake escapade to enhance your Florida fishing trip, consider an exhilarating airboat ride. Airboats can navigate in both deep and shallow waters, making them perfect for lake travel since they can go anywhere to find the best fishing spot, regardless of water level. An airboat fishing outing allows an angler to fish anywhere, without worrying about scraping the bottom of the lake or getting wedged near the shore. Airboats also provide an awesome joy ride!
Relaxing Lakeside Lodges
Just because you’re on a Florida fishing trip doesn’t mean you have to rough it by camping or staying in a lakeside cabin. The beautiful lakes of Central Florida are home to many charming and relaxing lakeside lodges, the perfect place to stay during your Florida fishing vacation. Find peace while resting on a hammock in the serene gardens of a lakeside lodge. Take in some local nightlife with the guidance of the helpful lodge staff. A stay at a lakeside lodge during a Florida fishing trip guarantees a memorable vacation, even for those who don’t enjoy fishing.
Florida Fishing and More
Do a little sightseeing, bird watching, or a number of other things while on a Florida fishing vacation. Thanks to the year round water warmth and pleasing air temperature, many different types of birds only call Florida home.
While you drift in your boat along the lake, you’ll have chances for a peek into history not seen from the street. Fragrant gardens, old citrus packinghouses, and mansions full of history, surprisingly appear on the lakeshore, making your Florida fishing trip an exploration.
Florida fishing vacations offer an exciting activity for families, a bonding weekend for fishing buddies, or even a romantic retreat. There are many Florida attractions, other than the spectacular fishing, for everyone to enjoy on a Florida fishing trip to one of Central Florida’s many lakes.
Christine O’Kelly is an author for the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau, a top source of facts and fun information about Florida attractions including Florida fishing hotspots, cultural events, restaurants, and attractions.
Some Common Terms You May Encounter On A Cruise
There are a number of naval terms used when on a cruise, that can sometimes be a little confusing. Although this list is in no way complete, here are a few terms, and what they mean in plain language!
Aft: This is the back of the boat, or at least towards the rear end, where the propellers will be. If you are to meet someone or see something towards the aft of the ship, head to the back.
Berth: These are the beds which are built in to the cabins you sleep in. A cabin is usually described as being either single or twin berth, which simply means whether they have one or two beds. A twin berth cabin will have two beds, and will usually be larger than a single berth.
Bow: This is the front of the boat, and is a good place to get grand views of the ocean, or of the country you are approaching.
Disembark: This means to leave the ship. When you arrive at a port, the passengers will usually disembark, or get off the ship to have an explore around. During this time the ship’s staff will usually tidy the cabins and clean the ship ready for you to return. When you return to the ship and get back on, this is called embarking.
Leeward: This is a good place to be - it means that you are on the side of the ship which is away from the wind. The side which catches the wind is called the windward side, and the side which is sheltered is the leeward. Of course, as the wind changes and the ship turns, these sides may well change, but making sure you have booked your seat on the leeward side will ensure you have a sheltered place to enjoy the view.
Life Preserver: These can often be life jackets, which we’re more familiar with, but are not necessarily always jackets. They may also be vests, or even rings. Basically, a life preserver is any device which floats and is designed to help keep a person afloat in the water. There are always at least as many of these as there are passengers, so every passenger will have access to one of these.
Muster: This word means to come together as a group. It may sometimes be the case that for safety drills, or for other events, you are called to muster. This simply means that a group will meet together.
So if you are asked to muster on the leeward side towards the aft, you know you have to meet with your group on the sheltered side of the ship towards the back! You see, it’s not that difficult!
In truth, you’ll probably find that most modern cruise liners will not use this kind of terminology, and those people who do use these words are old traditionalists that like to show off their naval knowledge! However, there are times when these words might be used, and having some idea of what they mean may help to save you a little time and less fluster trying to work out where you need to go.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about luggage, cruises, hotels, and shopping. You will find the best marketplace for luggage, cruises, hotels, and shopping at these sites for bags, luggage, cruises, ships, safety, cabins, and shopping.
Personal Safety Advice For Those On A Cruise
When you are on a cruise you are usually very safe. Most areas of the ship are well populated with people milling about, so there are rarely instances when you might find yourself on your own. Similarly, because there is a very close community of people, all of whom have paid a fair price to be there, you can be usually assured that you are in good company.
However, there are a few points worth mentioning to help ensure that you are safe, and not an unfortunate victim of either a petty crime or something more serious.
As far as your own personal safety is concerned, and that of any children travelling with you, if you are in any doubt then it is best not to wander the corridors between cabins on your own. Although statistically you are safer than anywhere else, particularly young children on their own are vulnerable as there are rarely any cameras, and during lovely days there are often few people around. Staying together, or going to your cabin during busier times can be a better choice.
Your cabin will of course be lockable, and it is easy to not bother locking it as you are on deck. However, it is a very sensible thing to get in the habit if always locking your cabin door when you are out, even if just for a short while. Almost certainly you will have your passport, money, credit cards, tickets, cameras, phones and other very valuable items in your cabin, and there are very few places to hide these items, so are easily located. Anyone who is of an unpleasant nature will know this, and it is a sad fact that sometimes theft does take place on cruise ships.
Make sure you aren’t one of the victims, and lock your door as a matter of habit every time you leave it. For the sake of a few seconds inconvenience, you will gain a great deal of peace of mind. If you have other occupants with you, such as children, make sure that if they ever visit the cabin without you, they are also aware of the importance of this routine.
Another aspect of safety worth considering is of course the railing around the outside of the ship. One of the joys of cruising is hanging over the railing looking at the waves, and even seeing dolphins swimming along side you. It hardly needs mentioning that leaning out too far, especially for children, carries with it obvious dangers. The railing is quite high and it would have to be a fairly determined or sheer madness to get close to falling, but it is always important to keep an eye on children, especially those with a tendency to fool about.
Another aspect of leaning over the railings is of course the potential risk of losing valuable items over the side. How many coins, glasses, wallets, keys, cards and other little essentials are now lodged firmly at the bottom of the world’s oceans? A countless number, certainly.
Always make sure that if you plan on looking over the side, your essential items are securely inside your pockets and can’t easily fall out. Particularly at risk are coat or jackets pockets which, should the breeze catch them, may flip upside down and promptly empty. Jacket pockets or trouser pockets that zip up are ideal. Even better is leaving the items back in your cabin.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about luggage, cruises, hotels, and shopping. You will find the best marketplace for luggage, cruises, hotels, and shopping at these sites for bags, luggage, cruises, safety, security, and shopping.
