The reporter's first cruise was a seven-day voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
If I could take my first cruise again, I'd pick up a case of water on my way to the port.
I'd pack a bar of laundry soap.
And I'd leave my formal dress at home.
The closest thing I'd seen to a cruise ship was the Staten Island ferry.
That changed in April 2022, when I left my home in NYC to take my first cruise. I flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a seven-night voyage on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. We sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.
I had a good time, but some things would've made my trip easier, cheaper, and more comfortable. Here's what I think all first-time cruisers should know before setting sail.
Some cruise ship cabins, like those at the front of the ship, can be rockier than others.
The reporter's room was at the front of the ship.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Before booking, I should have researched how a cabin's location can affect how much motion you feel while the ship is moving.
My ocean-view cabin was at the front of the ship, and I felt more movement than I expected. As a first-time cruiser, I found it uncomfortably rocky. Shaky nights made it tough to sleep.
Several seasoned cruisers on the voyage told me that the front of the ship was one of the worst places to feel motion. Higher decks in the middle of the ship felt calmer and more stable.
If you are as prone to motion sickness as I am, I suggest choosing a room in the middle of the ship.
The restaurants included in the cruise rate had a variety of high-quality dishes, so splurging on specialty restaurants wasn't necessary.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
One of the most distinctive things about cruising is that most meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the cruise rate.
However, on Wonder of the Seas and many other mega-ships, more than a dozen restaurants with specialty offerings, such as sushi, are not included and incur additional charges, either as a one-time fee or per dish. I paid $40 to $60 for each specialty meal.
I reserved all specialty restaurants before my trip, but I found myself wishing I hadn't booked so many once I realized the included restaurants offered a wide range of delicious food.
There were multiple buffets, and the main dining room served a three-course meal with changing menu items each night.
These included options that satisfied every craving. One of the best meals I had was in the main dining room.
Since I booked so many specialty restaurants, I didn't have time to try all the buffets or eat in the main dining room more than once. If I had known they'd be so satisfying, I would've saved money and eaten more of the included meals instead.
Formal nights weren't enforced, so don't waste luggage space on nice outfits if you don't want to participate.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I have an aversion to dressing up, but I knew my cruise included formal nights, so I brought one nice dress. After the first formal night, however, I learned that the dress code wasn't strictly enforced. I noticed people wore a variety of outfits, from suits and evening gowns to T-shirts and track pants.
I was happy to relax my look on the other two formal nights, but the dress felt like a waste of the limited space in my carry-on suitcase. If I had known it wasn't necessary, I would've left it at home and brought multiple other articles in its place.
Though it was a Caribbean cruise, I got chilly on the top decks, so bring some warm clothing.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My favorite times to be on the top decks of the ship were early in the morning and late at night, when there weren't as many crowds. These were also the coldest, windiest parts of the day.
Instead of my shiny, poofy, formal dress, I should've brought another pair of pants and another sweater to keep me warm. Since I didn't, I ended up wearing the same pants and sweater nearly every morning and evening.
Laundry on board can be expensive, so consider bringing a bar of laundry soap to save money.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Since I brought only a carry-on luggage, I hoped to get some laundry done on board, but then I saw the pricing sheet.
Living in New York City, most of the apartments I've rented haven't had in-unit laundry, so I'm used to paying to have my clothes washed. But rather than pricing by weight, as local New York laundromats do, Royal Caribbean charged for each article of clothing. Each shirt was $4, and a dress cost $9. Most surprisingly, washing just one pair of underwear would have cost $2.
I thought this would add up fast, so I didn't do any laundry on my trip. In hindsight, I should have brought a bar of laundry soap to hand-wash a few things.
I would've brought my own case of water if I knew it was allowed.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
To ensure I stayed hydrated throughout my trip, I opted for the water bottle package while booking trip extras like restaurant reservations and excursions. For $16, Royal Caribbean delivered a case of 24 water bottles to my cabin. It seemed expensive for a pack of water, but I thought this was just part of the price of cruising.
When I was boarding the ship, though, I noticed people carrying their own cases of water. That's when I realized Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring their own nonalcoholic beverages.
If I had known this, I would've brought my own water and saved a few bucks.
If I had known these details before my cruise, I could have had a better time while saving some money. Hopefully, my findings will help other first-time cruisers.
The author poses at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
While I enjoyed parts of my cruise, some of this knowledge could've made my trip much more comfortable.
On my next cruise, I'll remember what I learned about cabin locations, formal nights, and cool, windy mornings sailing in the Caribbean Sea.
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Fall is the best time to visit Disney World, in my opinion.
Kayleigh Price
I worked in several locations across Disney World, and fall is my favorite time to visit the parks.
I love dressing up for the Halloween events at Magic Kingdom and seeing the characters in costumes.
There are some great food opportunities in the fall, like the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.
If you're planning a trip to Disney, I suggest you look at the fall.
After years of working at Disney World and visiting during every season, fall is still my absolute favorite time of year to be in the parks.
It's usually less crowded since schools are back in session, and the Florida weather cools slightly from the oppressive summer heat.
This is during Florida's hurricane season, which typically runs from June through the end of November, so I recommend packing a rain poncho and checking weather alerts before you travel.
Otherwise, here's my list of some of the best things to do, see, and eat at Disney World in the fall.
I love strolling down Main Street right after the fall decorations go up.
David Roark/Walt Disney World
There is nothing like walking down Magic Kingdom's Main Street USA in the fall. It's lined with pumpkins, seasonal drapes, scarecrows in funny outfits, and Mickey-shaped jack-o'-lantern wreaths.
I like to grab a seasonal coffee at the Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) and spend time soaking it all in.
The decorations make it feel so cozy and allow for some really cute photos. I make sure to have a little photo shoot in this area every year.
Although they cost extra, events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are worth it.
There are a bunch of rare characters at the party.
It runs from the end of August through October 31, and it requires a special park ticket, which is usually a little more expensive.
However, during this event, guests get the opportunity to trick-or-treat all around Magic Kingdom and feel like a kid again.
There are also special entertainment offerings unique to the event, such as the "Boo to You" Parade, the "Hocus Pocus" stage show, and exclusive character meet-and-greets.
"Boo to You" is my favorite. It features all the classic characters, including Mickey and friends, the Hundred Acre Woods gang, most of the princesses and their princes, Pixar stars, Haunted Mansion maids and butlers, and a wide range of villains.
For adults, this is also the only time of year to go all out with costumes in the parks.
Adults can dress up for the Halloween party.
Kayleigh Price
Typically, only children under 14 are allowed to wear full costumes at Disney World. But when special events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are running, adults can go all out (as long as they're still following park guidelines).
This is such a fun way to celebrate Halloween, especially because you can see all of the unique costumes that everyone comes up with.
If you're not into wearing a full costume to the parks, you can also Disneybound by using your regular clothes to match the color scheme or aesthetic of your favorite character in a more subtle way. Park employees and other guests will usually pick up on your outfits, too, which makes for some fun interactions with fellow fans.
I love Disneybounding different characters all year, but it's especially fun when the park is decorated for Halloween.
This is probably the best time of year to see characters in unique outfits.
Some character get to wear Halloween costumes during the party.
Kayleigh Price
Seeing characters is always a huge highlight of any Disney trip, but it's extra special in the fall when you can see their Halloween outfits. It's the cutest thing to see Mickey dressed as a vampire or Winnie the Pooh dressed as a bumblebee.
You never know what your favorite character will dress up as, and it's exciting to see them in something other than their typical outfit.
I also love seeing all of the Magic Kingdom park employees in their festive Halloween uniforms.
Hollywood and Vine gets a total makeover for Halloween.
There were several hot dishes available at lunch.
Jenna Clark
Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios serves a buffet-style meal with character meet-and-greets. But in the fall, it typically transforms into a Halloween-themed dining experience.
All of the classic Disney characters — Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald — are dressed up in their Halloween costumes. They also have Halloween-inspired desserts and festive decor throughout the restaurant.
Haunted Mansion always gets me in the Halloween spirit.
The ride gets a spooky makeover during Halloween.
Kayleigh Price
Out of all of the rides at Disney World, Haunted Mansion truly embodies the Halloween season.
If you're anything like me and like to be spooked — but are also a huge wimp when it comes to anything scary — this is the perfect ride for you. It has such a good mix of scare and fun.
Taking a ride always gets me into the Halloween spirit.
You must pop over to Epcot for the International Food and Wine Festival.
Steven Diaz/Disney
Fall isn't complete unless I go to Food and Wine at Epcot, which usually runs from August to November.
It's my favorite festival that Epcot offers throughout the year because it's full of amazing foods and drinks inspired by cuisines from around the world.
The stands and offerings always rotate, but one of my favorites was Appleseed Orchard in the Canada Pavilion. It had an assortment of different beers and ciders along with sweet treats like a frozen apple-pie drink and apple-crumble tarts.
Garden Grill reminds me of a Thanksgiving feast.
The Garden Grill always provides a memorable experience.
Kari Becker
One of my favorite things about the fall season is all of the amazing food, and the Garden Grill buffet reminds me of a Thanksgiving meal with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, a harvest salad, and a berry shortcake.
This restaurant, located in Epcot's The Land pavilion, is another character dining experience featuring an all-you-can-eat, family-style meal.
The seasonal, Halloween-themed treats are absolutely worth getting, too.
There are some fun seasonal treats at the parks.
Kayleigh Price
Speaking of food, there are a lot of great seasonal Halloween-themed treats to be found throughout Disney World at the resorts, parks, and Disney Springs throughout autumn.
Although these tend to rotate, one of my favorites is the candy-corn milkshake at Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland.
It's candy-corn flavored and topped with a big Mickey-shaped marshmallow. Whenever it's available, I'm sure to order one.
This story was originally published on September 19, 2024, and most recently updated on October 21, 2026.
A trove of ancient coins has been unearthed at a construction site in Germany — after remaining hidden for more than 2,000 years.
The discovery, made at Singer Berg in the central German state of Thuringia, was announced recently by the Thuringian State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology (TLDA).
In a translated news release, officials said excavation director Ronny Krause discovered the coins while archaeologists were investigating a former sports field ahead of the construction of a new fire station.
Archaeologists conducted follow-up excavations at the site in August 2026 — and confirmed that the 11 coins dated back to the first century B.C.
The hoard represented the largest known Celtic coin hoard from that period ever found in Thuringia.
The 11 coins, dating back to the first century B.C., were identified as a type of ancient Celtic currency known as Prague-type quinarii.
"Until now, only about 80 examples of these quinarii had been identified throughout Thuringia, underscoring the significance of the Singen hoard," the translated statement said.
"The mint responsible for producing the coins is believed to have been located in the Gotha region, to the northwest."
The Celts were groups of ancient people who lived across much of Europe during the Iron Age, with Celtic languages and traditions surviving today in places such as Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The coins were originally buried together in a container made of organic material that has since decomposed, archaeologists believe. The coins were found scattered across an area measuring roughly 19 feet by 5 feet — likely a result of plowing.
Officials described the discovery as a "closed find," suggesting that all the coins originally buried together were recovered.
While just 11 coins may seem like a modest haul to some, archaeologists consider the discovery a treasure trove of information about the ancient world.
"Through the ongoing mapping of discoveries from the same period and cultural background, researchers can draw conclusions about ancient trade routes and production centers," the translated statement added.
"The Singen treasure hoard has significantly expanded our existing knowledge in this area."
Archaeologists also found an ancient Roman coin and a medieval glass bead — as well as a knife fragment, another silver coin and a Prussian uniform button from the 19th or 20th century.
Officials also emphasized the broader significance of the discovery and the importance of proper archaeological practices.
"This once again demonstrates the importance of preserving the archaeological context of discoveries, in contrast to isolated metal finds recovered, for example, through improper or illegal metal detecting without documentation of their original locations," the statement concluded.
In Finland, a metal detectorist recently uncovered a massive Viking Age silver hoard containing an estimated 4,000 coins, along with jewelry and other artifacts.
Reopened in May 2026 after a year-long renovation, the 15-acre beachfront resort on the East Coast Road now has a a “Dine by Design” proposal service at KoKoMmo, plunge-pool suites and a sea-facing ballroom for large Indian weddings
The U.S. State Department has escalated its travel warning for an East African nation popular for its wildlife safaris, urging Americans to reconsider visiting amid heightened health concerns and ongoing security threats.
The State Department on Monday raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution," to Level 3, "Reconsider Travel."
Health risks and crime were cited among the reasons for the advisory, along with civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and traffic safety concerns.
"Prepare a will," the advisory added. "Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones."
Americans are urged to avoid certain neighborhoods in Nairobi and several counties across the country due to risks of crime, kidnapping and terrorism — as well as areas near the Ethiopian border due to unrest.
In its broader warning about the country, State Department officials said that violent crime "can occur at any time," noting that petty crime "is common" throughout Kenya.
The advisory also noted that solo travelers should exercise caution, and that some Americans have been sexually assaulted in bars, resorts and hotels.
"Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes," the advisory said.
The State Department also warned that Americans frequently fall victim to investment scams involving gold and other high-value commodities, with Kenyan authorities unlikely to help victims recover their losses.
"Property disputes are common in Kenya," added the warning.
"Americans who have bought land, churches and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business."
Medical services in Kenya are limited, particularly in rural areas, with some facilities lacking essential medicines and equipment.
"Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your own expense," officials said. "Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront."
The advisory also warned that protests can turn violent — with demonstrators previously attacking vehicles carrying Americans, including safari vehicles and motorcycle taxis.
Americans are urged to stay alert in tourist spots, keep a low profile and avoid demonstrations and crowds while visiting the country.
Kenya is known around the world for its wildlife safaris, picturesque savannas and national parks, which all draw millions of international tourists each year.
The country attracted approximately 2.7 million international visitors in 2025, with travelers from the Americas accounting for 14% of arrivals, according to government tourism figures.
Meanwhile, travelers visiting Brazil have been cautioned about criminals targeting tourists at bars and through dating apps before drugging and robbing them.
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