Being a coach, I speak on cruises. I took my first cruise about 4 years ago. I asked a friend who’d cruised a lot what I needed to know and she said, “Nothing. Just have fun.” I disagree. Having cruised many times since then, I’d like to pass on some tips to help you enjoy your cruise more.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE

Medicare doesn’t cover expenses incurred outside US. Many insurance plans provide little or no coverage for international or out-of-network travel medical expenses. Find out about yours before you go. Then fill in gaps with travel insurance.

Also investigate: 1.Insurance to cover cancellations and interruptions, and cost of delayed or lost baggage 2.Financial Default Coverage for financial failure of airline, cruise line or tour operator 3.Terrorism Coverage for reimbursement if you cancel trip due to terrorist incident in departure city or itinerary city 4.Medical Evacuation Coverage, Medical Reunion and Return of Mortal Remains, all of which can be very costly.

PACKING

Pack “little” things because they get “big” on a trip. Bandages or Neosporin will cost you 5 times as much and also waste hours of pleasure time while you search for them.

Take along a small basic first-aid kit and comfort kit. Yes, ship has an infirmary, but it’s a long trip down there, and an expensive one.

Think of things you use over a week’s time – antihistimine, eyedrops, lotion, aloe Vera, anti-diarrhea medication, hair dryer, needle and thread.

If it’s important to you, bring it. The last cruise I was on supplied numerous toiletries, but no hair dryer.

WARDROBE

Formal night! It’s reason some cruise. It’s reason some won’t.

Let me set your mind at ease. If you don’t want to go to formal night, you can avoid it. Most cruises have a casual buffet option with delicious food every night, 24 hour hot dogs and pizza, and 24 hour room service.

If you want to participate in formal night, tux rental is available - http://www.cruiselineformal.com . Most ships keep some inventory onboard, but it’s best to order early. There are usually tailors on board.

We hear stories daily about individuals or organizations that thrive during bull market, slip in bear market when stocks drop, and end up bankrupt. Others suffer a loss, but plan for a turnaround and don’t experience devastation.

How do they weather bear market? They manage their portfolio wisely.

Close, personal relationships can follow a similar path. Many start out in a bull market, slide into a bear market, and then go bankrupt. Like investors, you can weather your relationship ups and downs if you manage your relationship portfolio wisely. Apply these ten rules of wise investing and avoid relationship bankruptcy.

1.LIST ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

If you want great relationships, first know who you are and what you want. What are your values, beliefs. If you do not know what you believe, you may get off track.

2.DETERMINE GOALS.

Where are you and where do you want to go? What are your personal and relational goals now, and in future? If you do not know what you want over long term, you may get off track.

3.READ THE PROSPECTUS.

4.DECIDE WHICH INVESTMENT BEST FITS YOUR GOALS.

With investments you consider whether you want short term, long term, high risk, or low risk investments. You decide whether you can reach your goals with stocks, mutual funds, or money market accounts.

What do you need, want, and require in a close relationship? What kind of relationships will support your life goals? Imagine you love country and want a cabin in woods some day. You invite loss of your dreams if you continue to invest emotionally in someone who loves city lights and hates bugs!

Where will you find compatible relationships or life partner who shares your wishes, hopes and dreams? Probably not in local bar, unless that is your life goal. Do what you love to do, and find friendships in those places.

5. DON’T THROW GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD.

If it drops 8% or more sell.