Lisa A Beach

Pros and cons of cruise drink packages, from the soda package to the refreshment package
·4 min read
If you’re about to book a cruise, you may be thinking about buying a cruise drink package, which can be a worthwhile investment. These packages can range from unlimited soda to premium alcohol bundles, and their value can vary significantly depending on your drinking habits and preferences. Keep reading to learn about typical cruise drink packages and the pros and cons of each so that you can ...

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Follow this expert advice when evaluating pet insurance options
·4 min read
Imagine the heartbreak of losing your beloved furry companion. Now, picture that grief compounded by the crushing weight of unexpected veterinary bills.
For one AAA member, this nightmare became a reality when the family’s beloved dog was diagnosed with heart disease.
The diagnosis took a huge emotional toll on the family. But, thanks to their AAA pet insurance, the financial burden didn’t overwhelm them.
Wit...

How voluntourism can transform your travels and make a meaningful difference in communities in need
Have you ever considered the do-good, feel-good approach to traveling known as voluntourism? Offering more than just sightseeing, these volunteer vacations create unforgettable journeys that benefit both travelers and the local communities they visit.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global volunteer tourism market was worth about $848.9 million in 2023, with an expected growth...

In honor of National Winter Skin Relief Day, January 8, here’s how to keep your skin hydrated and healthy

With the rising cost of living, consumers need solid strategies to keep budgets in check. So, what’s a smart shopper to do?
While you might be loyal to brands for certain products (think coffee and jeans), you probably don’t think twice about bouncing between brands for other products (like sugar and paper plates)—if there’s a discount available.
Instead of waiting for sales and cutting or clicking coupons, consider switching to off-label (also called store-brand) goods for certain products. ...

Imagine vacationing at one Caribbean resort and gaining access to the amenities of another nearby resort—at no extra cost. It’s not just a vacation fantasy; it’s a real opportunity that allows you to get more from your getaway. The Stay at 1, Play at 2 program, available at a growing number of Caribbean resorts, doubles your experiences while ensuring you get the best value for your money.
How it works
The Stay at 1, Play at 2 program is simple yet brilliant: Book a stay at one resort, and ga...

A lost or stolen passport can mean a ruined vacation. Protect your passport with these smart tips

Tossing and turning at night? Struggling to get those elusive seven hours of shut-eye? If restless nights are leaving you feeling exhausted and irritable, it may be time to give your sleep hygiene a much-needed reboot.
Simply put, sleep hygiene is all about the habits and practices that help you fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality rest. While stress, illness, jet lag, and medications can affect sleep, regular sleep struggles may stem from bad habits.
The good news? By making lifestyle...

I was recently invited to sail on Royal Caribbean Lines’ Icon of the Seas, dubbed “the world’s largest cruise ship.” At 1,198 feet long—more than three times the length of a football field—this much-buzzed-about ship seems to be on every cruiser’s bucket list. From firsthand experience, I can tell you Icon lives up to the hype. Let me break down what I loved about this record-breaking ship and share some insider tips.
Download the MY RCL App Before Sailing
Before my trip, I used Royal ...

Get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” as we celebrate America's birthday with a bang (and a boom) across the nation! If you’re wondering, “Where are 4th of July fireworks near me?” check out these Independence Day festivities across the country. And if you’re traveling, don’t forget to power your trip with AAA Membership perks, including discounts and AAA Diamond-designated accommodations.
Pro tip: All events listed below will be crowded, and parking will probably be limited, so consider public transp...

I researched and wrote a travel guide for AAA, with the goal of targeting specific demographics (i.e., families, outdoor enthusiasts, culture & history buffs, etc.).

As I anticipated my upcoming cruise to the Bahamas with my friend aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas®, I thought hard about what I should bring this time around. From past cruises, I know that space is tight in cabins. I thought I’d share my top packing tips, especially if this will be your first cruise.

Tapping in my copywriting skills, I wrote the copy for this entire website for a hospitality property in Belize.

Profile: It’s hard to imagine anyone more qualified to be called “The Cheese Lady,” than cheese-sculpting virtuoso Sarah Kaufmann. Hailing from Wisconsin, the heartland of cheese, Kaufmann first worked in the advertising industry until a fortuitous pivot led her to the whimsical culinary world she now dominates. With two Guinness World Records (World’s Largest Cheese Carving) to her name, Kaufmann has carved more than 4,000 edible sculptures that have appeared in supermarkets and state fairs, weddings...

Does small talk really matter?
Absolutely, says Shasta Nelson, social relationships expert, speaker and author of The Business of Friendship, Friendships Don’t Just Happen: The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of Girlfriends and Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness.
“Almost every relationship we have starts with seemingly mundane moments,” explains Nelson. “For most of us, if we look at our best friends and the people we’re closest to, we could probabl...