Seasonal
Winter Getaways
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By Mary Jo Tarallo
ho doesn’t have an itch to get away from the Mid-Atlantic’s steel grey look and nippy feel of winter cold for warm temperatures, pleasant breezes, puffy white clouds in azure blue skies. And, if you haven’t already planned on something, the possibilities are endless. Is a land tour your preference or perhaps a water voyage: a river boat, a modest sailing ship or a large cruise ship with several thousand passengers. Each has pros and cons. And what about insurance? Regardless of your travel choice, Charlie Leocha, president of the consumer advocacy group Travelers United, has some advice. “Always read the fine print of any contract you sign. It will let you know when different benefits kick in,” he says. “Better yet, if it is important, ask your lawyer to take a quick look. If friends of yours had to use the insurance, make sure to ask them their experience.” The bottom line. Do your homework, says Leocha.
12 Winter 2024 LOVE LIVING HERETM
Let’s start with cruises! An obvious benefit of being on a cruise is that regardless of vessel size, there is no need to pack and unpack every couple of days. The ship is your hotel and your activity/entertainment center. Cruise Critic does a good job of highlighting the pros and cons of small ships vs. large ones. Size matters. For example, larger ships offer more restaurants for dining, if that is a priority, not to mention bars and lounges. Smaller ocean cruising ships house a modest array of eateries, but compact river boats use the same dining area for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
