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Posts Tagged ‘cheap cruises’

Learn How You Can Save Big on a Repositioning Cruise

April 22nd, 2009 No comments

Of all the ways to locate cheap cruises, one of the very best is to reserve your ticket on a repositioning cruise. A repositioning cruise typically sets sail in the autumn or in the late spring, during which seasons the cruise lines are sailing their ships from the Alaska waters to the routes in the Caribbean or the other way around.

Instead of moving these vessels without any passengers between the two regions, destinations, the cruise companies carry passengers on these repositioning voyages at what often amounts to a huge savings over regular in-season cruise pricing.

Repositioning cruises can be both long and short, ranging from three and four cay cruises between Vancouver and California to several week Trans-Atlantic and Trans Pacific cruises.

The longer types of cruises that include ocean crossings often stop at few ports, but this gives ship passengers a great opportunity to enjoy all the modern entertainment on board the ship when it is not very crowded.

Of course, it is easy to spend a lot of money in the ship’s bars and casino during a long cruise, so you might want to keep track of your tab along the way to avoid any unexpected and aggravating surprises when you get your final bill after the cruise ends.

One other factor to weigh when considering a repositioning cruise is the cost of the airfare getting you to the starting point and home from the ending point of the cruise.

Because these repositioning cruise routes begin and end in totally different ports, often far apart, you’ll need to buy a split fare airline ticket in all likelihood, and this can really drive up the cost of your trip.

However if the cost of the air transportation is quite reasonable, the you are in luck — a repositioning cruise could be a very good way to visit exciting new places on the most up to date cruise ships for not much money. It is hard to beat a deal like that.

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Travel Tips For Cheap Family Vacations

March 31st, 2009 No comments

Family vacations are really an important time for the family. Its probably the only time of the year that the whole family can get together and spend some real quality time with each other. It means fun for both the parents and kids. Many families may now tend to avoid thinking about vacation because of a tight budget and a slumping economy. Here, however, are some tips on how to cut down the cost of your next family vacation and yet still ensure loads of enjoyment for everyone:

1. Plan your vacation well in advance. This gives you plenty of time to surf the internet and get the best bargains on air tickets and hotel reservations for your family.

2. Try to be flexible about the dates of your travel. Its better to travel in mid-week rather than on a weekend. Try to plan your travel in the off peak season. You are more likely to get cheaper air tickets and a good bargain on your hotel.

3. Save money on hotel rooms. Your hotel choice could consume much of the money spent on your vacation. If you have relatives or friends living near any probable vacation spot, then try make arrangements, if possible, to stay with them for the holiday. If planning an international vacation then consider using a hotel guide or surf the internet for the best rates you can find.

4. Save money by considering cheap cruises. These can be for only three to five days on many popular cruise ships with many fun designations. The inside cabins are the best choice and can actually be very affordable.

5. Check for a vacation rental. These provide a great value when it comes to a family vacations. You can save a lot on the hotel room and also on the food.

6. Before you leave for your vacation, buy all your own amenities like sunscreen, toothpaste, medicines, etc. These things usually cost more at vacation spots.

7. Try to travel with another family or with friends. You can consider booking a vacation cottage and share the cost of the stay. You can do the same with food because you will most likely have a kitchen in the cottage.

8. Choose a destination where you can have free fun. Youre already paying for your stay and the food could be costly so you dont want to end up paying for all your entertainment as well.

9. Try to visit the off beaten path destinations. These destinations are a lot cheaper than the crowded destinations most might choose. You also will have the added advantage of privacy.

10. You can consider choosing a destination that you can drive to. You can also carry your own food and entertainment along. You can carry an ice box with bottled water, soda, and perhaps a selection of canned foods.

11. You may also consider a family camping trip. Its filled with fun and adventure and it can really be within your budget. Your biggest expense might be the tent. You can carry an ice box with all your food and drinks. You might also plan a family barbeque. You can take your friends along so that you can split the price of gas and food.

12. We cant ignore the fact that last minute vacation packages can be big money savers. Although planning your vacation in advance is good advice, you could also plan on catching a last minute deal.

So get geared up, pack your bags, and start planning your next fun-filled cheap family vacation.

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Vacation Tips for Cheap Family Cruises

January 30th, 2009 No comments

Cruising is fun for people of all ages. From toddlers to teenagers and from young couples on honeymoon to the older person relaxing after a life of hectic careers, cruise vacations offer enjoyment and excitement to everyone. If you wish to find cheap family cruises, then there are plenty of choices, wherever you live. Nearly all cruise lines offer specials and programs for families with specific emphasis on children. Services like baby-sitting, play-stations; mini computer labs, etc. are presented to lure children also on cruise ventures. Many of them combine exclusive offshore excursions geared to attract children of all ages. Some of the select features of cheap family cruises are presented here for your basic information.

Reduced cruise rates like 2 full adult fares for a family of 3 or even 4, if the children are below the age of 5. Special baby-sitting provisions and monitored cribs. Family cabins with full beds or separate bunkers for children to accommodate children up to the age of 12. Cartoon shows and cartoon magazines. Classes for arts, crafts, dancing, music, foreign languages, etc. Game facilities like billiards, chess, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, swimming, snorkeling, etc. Kids-only swimming pools. Kid, teen, and youth counselors. Computer labs and computer game stations. Special beach parties and barbeque parties.

With most cruises, the accommodation, all meals, entertainment, and other onboard activities are all included in the price. Transportation to and from the port is also generally part of the package. However, other expenses like drinks, excursion expenses at stoppage ports, personal services like hairstyling, massage, etc. are generally not included in cruise package. On the other hand, most cruise lines accept requests for special diets like low-carbohydrate, salt-free, etc. but these have to be advised in advance.

A cheap or inexpensive family cruise can be found either by browsing the Internet or by contacting any reputable travel agency. At the outset, make a decision about the destination or destinations that you would like to visit and the number of days that you could afford, along with your probable budget. After that, obtain at least 4-5 family cruise package quotes from different cruise lines. Compare them for all the features, including fine print like the inclusion or exclusion of VAT, personal insurance, tips, etc. In general, you have a choice of around major 200 cruise lines operating all over the globe, with more than 1,800 ports-of-call.

Remember that family cruises are meant for fun and relaxation. You can find a family cruise package that will not strain your family budget and be great fun as well. Make sure that your family cruise selection offers adequate rest between ports-of-call, where you may be visiting several places on hectic-paced guided tours. Talk to the cruise director or the travel agent about the specific facilities offered for the family members. Find out ahead of time about all on-board activities, so that all members of the family, including the kids, will be well informed of all the fun to expect. If you consider all the above facts, then your next family cruise should be within your budget and at the same time, offer all of you unlimited recreation, relaxation, and pleasure.

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