Posts Tagged ‘Cruises’

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One of the Greatest Examples of This is the Growing Interest in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

As Wildlife Vacation, Inc embarks on the 9th year they have recognized that many travelers are not content with the usual 4 or 5 day vacation. They want a detailed, to the point itinerary that features destinations that create true “trips of a lifetime,” experiences. As more and more families are discovering the sense of wonder and delight that a vacation in the Galapagos Islands provides. The unique combination of natural history, beautiful sights, wildlife observation, and the extraordinary educational experience, makes a vacation in the Galapagos with Galapagos Tours & Cruises the perfect choice for families with kids of any age. To make it easier for families traveling together, Galapagos Tours & Cruises offers families the option of chartering their own private yacht to tour the Galapagos, or the choice of booking space at the deluxe Royal Palm Galapagos Hotel. These make up some of the best adventure programs catering to families with young children traveling to the Galapagos. Of the larger ships, the offers the most accommodating conditions for families traveling with younger children. One of the greatest examples of this is the growing interest in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles off of the coast of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean and it is where Darwin created his theory of evolution.

When traveling to the Galapagos it is recommend a minimum of 7-nights / 8-days, which is ideal for families with children in school and the traditional or not-so-traditional work schedule.

When booking your trip, you will want to consider some very important point:

The Galapagos has a limited tourism infrastructure, which generally requires that reservations be made between 6 months and 2 years from the time you desire to travel. This will ensure that you get some of the best accommodations aboard the Galapagos Islands nicest ships. Cruising is the most traditional way of visiting the Islands.

Wildlife Vacations, Inc. specializes in custom itineraries that are created based on your own interests and personal schedules.

A valuable web resource to find out more about the available options is www.galapagos-inc.com or you can contact a Destination Specialist by calling toll-free at (877) 385 – 1433. You may also send your fax request to (858) 385 – 1484.

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Five Favorite Places To Cruise

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Have you been thinking about a cruise? Everyone seems to be going on one and you don’t want to feel left out, right? The problem is that there are so many itineraries out there, which makes it hard to decide where your first cruise should be. In this article I talk about the best five itineraries I have been on and why they are my favorites.
Selecting my five favorites was not an easy task. I enjoy cruising so much and believe it is the only way to go on a vacation. You only unpack once and you get to see so many cool places. No driving miles and miles a day on one of those driving vacations where you have to stop at a different hotel every day. I find cruising very relaxing and am always ready to go on the next one.
My Fifth Favorite Cruise
Europe: This was a very interesting way to see several places I might have never gotten a chance to see. I would recommend this cruise to anyone who can afford to take the time. It was fifteen days long and well worth it.
On this cruise we went to Copenhagen Denmark, St. Petersburg Russia, Helsinki Finland, Stockholm Sweden, Oslo Norway, Tallinn Estonia, France where we took a bus ride to Paris.
Paris was breathtaking and it was great just to be there. There are so many things to see in Paris and a tour is probably your best bet if you have never been there.
St. Petersburg was a two-day stop and we could have stayed longer. We took a tour one day and got to visit the Hermitage Museum on the second day. Wow, you won’t want to miss The Hermitage if you are ever in St. Petersburg.
Basically, we took a tour at each port. Tours are great because you get to see the key points plus learn the history behind everything. You also learn about their lifestyle and how different it is from our own. This cruise was an experience I will always remember.
My Fourth Favorite Cruise
10 Night Caribbean: There are so many different itineraries when cruising the Caribbean that it can be difficult to determine which one to take. My favorite cruise of the Caribbean contained these three ports.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Okay, this one was special to me because my father was born in Puerto Rico. As a Puerto Rican I always enjoy stopping here. If it is your first time in Puerto Rico, you may want to take a tour of San Juan. The fort is especially interesting.
Key West: I totally fell in love with this little island. I have even thought of staying here for a few days. My only complaint was that we only had about five hours here and the first two hours everything was closed. My suggestion for Key West is that you take a tour of the island as soon as you arrive. I have regretted not taking one and have not had the opportunity to go back to Key West. I will the first chance I get.
Bahamas: This was a great port. It seemed to have a little bit of everything. There is a large hotel that actually has an extensive aquarium. It runs the entire length of the building and is something you must see at this port. I also recommend that you take a tour if it is your first visit. A tour will give you an overview and then you can decide what you want to do with the rest of your time here. Again, make sure your tour includes a tour of the hotel on the other side of the bridge.
My Third Favorite Cruise
Mexico takes this spot. We have been to Mexico via a cruise ship several times. This is one of the most relaxing cruises I have been on. There are basically three ports on a Mexican Riviera cruise and each one shows a different side of life in Mexico. Most of the Mexican Riviera cruises go to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan. This is your typical seven day cruise of the Mexican Riviera. However, some cruise ships bypass Mazatlan and take you to Acapulco and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. These cruises are usually ten or eleven days.
My Second Favorite Cruise
Alaska takes my number two spot. It was hard to decide between number one and number two, but I went with Alaska. My husband and I have taken this cruise about seven times and we never tire of it. Each port is a little different. The glaciers are awe-inspiring.
One of the things that fascinated me the first time I took the Alaskan cruise was the wildlife. There are eagles everywhere. If you see a white spot in a tree, get out your binoculars. You are likely to find out that the white spot is actually an eagle’s head.
We get to see several orcas on this cruise as well. There is nothing that compares to seeing wildlife in their own habitat. I used to go to zoos and places like Sea World regularly, but now that I have seen some of these animals in their natural surroundings, the confinement of zoos just doesn’t appeal to me.
My Number One Favorite Cruise
Hawaii was my all time favorite cruise. I have actually taken this cruise three times. I took it with Norwegian Cruise Lines each time. My husband and I boarded the ship in Honolulu and stopped at several ports.
Lahaina, Maui
We spent a couple of days here. On one of those days we rented a car and drove the road to Hana.
Kona
We take the Atlantis Submarine hear. The water is really clear and the fish are quite interesting. There are also some coffee plantations you can visit in Kona.
Kauai
We took a helicopter ride in Kauai. Several movies were filmed on this island and there are so many beautiful waterfalls. The helicopter ride was simply breathtaking.
Hilo
We took a tour in Hilo. There is a lot of volcanic activity here and it is very interesting to see all the hot spots and how the lava flows and continues to move.
FANNING ISLAND, REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI
It took two days at sea to get here and two days to get back. It was a very relaxing time at sea, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Island itself is rather primitive. It is a totally different way of life than we are accustomed to. The Cruise Line has added several amenities for the natives, but you still get a good view of a more laid back lifestyle. This is also a great place to get postage stamps. You can mail yourself a postcard and see who arrives first, you or your postcard. The stamps from Republic of Kiribati are a novelty for stamp collectors.
Well, I hope sharing my five favorite cruises helps when you are trying to determine where to go on your next cruise. I never tire of cruising. I have found that it is one of those things you either really love or really hate. You, of course, will have to decide for yourself.

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The Benefits of Using an Online Travel Agency

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Most people who go on vacation like to book trips through a travel agent in order to take some of the stress out of the planning process. Travel agents can also help you save money on flight, hotel rooms, cruises, and more; but what about online travel agencies? While people worry that Internet travel agencies could scam you or provide low-quality service, there are actually a number of benefits to choosing an online travel agency, providing that you pick the right one.

First and foremost, with an online travel agency, you can work with the place that has the lowest prices without geography limits. In other words, you have more options! When you opt to choose a travel agency in an offline setting, you are limited to the handful of companies that operate in your neighborhood, or at least within a reasonable distance. People who live in major cities might especially be affected by the high prices of brick and mortar travel agencies. Online, there are not proximity limits. The travel agency with which you work might actually have headquarters thousands of miles away, but if they have the lowest prices, you can still work with them over the Internet.

The increased number of choices does not just help you save money. It also means that you have limitless possibilities when it comes to travel. The travel agencies in your areas probably can book dozens or even hundreds of different trips, but there will be limitations. Even if an offline travel agent can plan a vacation to an obscure destination for you, it is not likely that he or she will be an expert in travel to this location. Online, you can find a family or an individual who has been there and will plan an amazing vacation for you. There are few places in the world where you can’t travel if you work with an online travel agency.

Another great aspect of working with an online travel agency is that you can shop for your vacation package any time of the day or night. Brick and mortar business usually close soon after the end of the regular business day, and many are not open for long hours on the weekend. The Internet is open 24 hours a day. While you may not always be able to call a customer service representative, especially if you like to do vacation planning at three in the morning, you can always check out packages offer on travel websites. This is especially handy for parents who need to plan after the kids are in bed, people who work odd hours, and those living in rural locations where the nearest travel agency office is a fairly far drive.

One of the often-overlooked benefits of an online travel agency is the control you have to make your own choices without outside influences or pressure. When you visit an office, many travel agents have the same tone as used car salesmen. You have to remember that these people are often working under some kind of commission program. Instead of making an hourly wage, they earn a percentage of your total vacation price, and even if they do have a salaried job, they may get incentives from travel companies (hotels, cruise lines, etc) for selling amount every month. Many travel agents get to go on free trips for every ten or twenty vacation packages they sell. So, you might feel pressured to book a trip when you are not done exploring your options or upgrade certain aspects, even though you do not have the money. Online travel agencies typically take a more hands-off approach. That does not mean that they won’t help you, of course. Most are more than willing to answer questions via email or over the phone. However, when it comes to working with an online travel agency, you do not have someone looming over your shoulder, trying to make a sale as you check out your vacation options.

Also, when you work with an online travel agency, you usually have more payment choices. Today, some offline travel agencies offer payment plans, credit card payments, and so forth, but this is not always the case. When you work online to plan you vacation, however, you can always find a type payment that will work for you. Some even have payment programs that allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend, which can go towards gift certificates or future trips.

Be aware that there are still scammers posing as online travel agencies and other travel sites, and you always need to read the fine print of any website where you make a purchase. However, online travel agencies are often a less expensive, easier, and more convenient way to book a vacation.

Suzanne Bradley is a writer and blogger who discusses various aspects of the travel industry such as working with a travel agency.
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Best Cruise Lines

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Best Cruise Lines

What is a mantra of a wonderful vacation? If you believe me, natural splendor, blue waters and white sand make the perfect and most memorable vacations you can have. And if you are really interested in going in for one, then pack your bags and get ready for a sensational trip of the most happening cruise lines. A cruise voyage will give it all right from the sprawling nature to blue waters of the oceans and the white sand on the beaches. And the best part of it, a cruise is your 24 hrs entertainment center where the sun never sets.

A cruise is a one stop entertainment for many occasions and events. A cruise allows you to celebrate family cruising and reunions, wedding, birthday celebrations, vacation travel, honeymoon and much more. A cruise trip also allows and offers flexibility in planning various activities. You can plan to travel in the set of destinations from the hundreds of destinations offered by the cruise liners. Do whatever, your cruise trip will be the most cherished experience you will ever have in your life.

Cruise trips have gained much popularity in the past couple of years due to which there are many cruise lines which offer the best of services to its travelers. The popularity is so much that it is estimated by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) that of the more than 10 million Americans who had taken cruises in the year 2004, around 5 million had taken the cruise for the first time. This amazing piece of statistic is a reflection of the fact that cruising can be not only fun, but a tremendous vacation value. This vacation value can be rightly explored once you are on a cruise line.

A cruise line offers a quality vacation because it offers a great value in terms of the number of destinations from which you can choose your favorite one. And more value packed just because most of the cruise lines offer world class dining and various on board activities, along with many other activities like surfing, deep water fishing, skiing, kayaking etc which means you can have multiple vacations in one. Also most of the cruise lines offer you the ease of sailing from a port near your city. You can book the cruise line fro a journey onboard and also for some of the most exciting shore and land excursions which may include tours, entertainment, adventure sports and activities and much more that will make the whole lot of cruising a memorable experience.

There are many cruise lines around the United States and Europe, which offer the best of the facilities and excursions. It is always to plan your trip ahead and book the cruise in advance as doing this would save you money, which obviously you can spend on some other sneaky extras. When finalizing a cruise line look for their track record and also compare the rates and the onboard facilities offered.

Looking for more information on Best Cruise Lines check out www.cruiselinesbest.com your guide to Best Cruise Lines.
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Top Five Reasons Why Cruise Vacations are so Popular

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

There is perhaps no better way to unwind than taking a great vacation. However, many people find that planning for a vacation can be an additional source of stress. A vacation is supposed to be relaxing, but the preparation for the trip seldom is. Questions such as: where to go, what to do, and how to get there will undoubtedly arise when choosing the specifics for your trip.

There are many options to consider when planning a vacation. Some families and individuals consult a travel agent or other travel service to cut down on some of the pre-trip stress. A cruise vacation offers many benefits to the traveler with a variety of options in one location. This is part of the reason why cruises have become an increasingly popular solution for individuals and families who want the most out of their vacation experience.

In recent years, the number of cruise lines, and cruise options, has expanded which is indicative of an overall trend in the travel world. Themed-cruises such as family cruises, singles’ cruises and golf cruises are available for travelers seeking a unique brand of fun and relaxation. There are many reasons why cruises are so popular. The following are the top five reasons why people choose cruises.1. Value.

Cruises offer great value for the vacationer on a budget. Because everything can be purchased in one package, the majority of both your needs and your family’s needs, such as transportation and various accommodations, are included in the price. Many packages even offer airfare. If you consider airfare, hotel stays, a rental car, and meals into the cost of a vacation, even a short trip can get expensive. Taking a cruise addresses this problem by consolidating these costs into one package.2. All-in-One Vacation

There are not many other vacation options which offer the all-in-one experience like a cruise vacation. While on a cruise you can visit multiple destinations while not changing rooms and having to constantly pack and unpack your luggage. A cruise vacation affords you the chance to enjoy your choice of several entertainment and fine dining options, all which are located steps away from your room. Most cruises offer nightly entertainment, which may include comedians, live bands, and other live acts. They also offer dancing, casinos, and additional entertainment options for children. The deck offers sunbathing, swimming, shuffleboard and other outside activities. All of this can be enjoyed while traveling between destinations. When the ship docks, the various locations may be explored and local culture sampled. There is no need to scour the phone book and maps to find restaurants, they are right there on the ship. 3. Food

Speaking of food, most cruise ships hire top quality chefs and cooks for their kitchens. Many of these chefs studied at very prestigious culinary institutes and come highly recommended. For instance, Georges Blanc, a world-renowned master chef from France, has become the signature chef for Carnival Cruise Lines. Most ships offer several cuisine options and several different restaurants. Menu options for every palette make the cruise experience great for families. Kid friendly cuisine, alongside fine dining choices; make family dining an enjoyable event. 4. A Good Family Vacation Option

Cruises offer options for families to stay together while enjoying separate vacations. Many cruises focus on creating a vacation experience for the entire family, offering childcare facilities where children can enjoy activities designed just for them. At the same time, parents can enjoy some grown-up time. Many cruises also offer family friendly entertainment for families who want to spend more time together. While on a cruise families can spend a week, or more, together without getting in the way of each other’s plans. Everyone can go their own way and then come together as a family for meals and other events. 5. Pampering

Since relaxation and rejuvenation are often the ultimate goals of any vacation, the pampering options onboard a cruise ship make it an easy choice for the weary traveler. Massage, sunbathing, free childcare, spa treatments, and hot tubs are just a sample of the pampering options that can be expected on a cruise ship. Both parents and children alike get pampered on a cruise. Parents can spend a relaxing afternoon of massage, hot tubs, and sunbathing, while the children can spend a day of running, jumping, swimming and playing while being taken care of by qualified persons, just down the deck from where their parents are. Later, the family can come together for some fine food and relaxation. Finally, everyone can retire to their cabins for a luxurious sleep, getting ready for another day of pampering and fun.

Many people choose cruises for their vacations because of their value, food, pampering, and family friendly, all-in-one atmosphere. Romance, variety, reunions, new experiences, and simplicity also rank high on the list of reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. No matter the reason for choosing one, a cruise is a great value, offering relaxation and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere with good food and entertainment all in one unique location.

Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as Carnival Cruise | Caribbean Cruise
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Top Five Tips for Traveling With Children

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Traveling is stressful enough – but traveling with children can be even more so, as anyone who has done so will verify. There are some steps you can take to ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible.

1) Involve your children in the trip planning

Many families who travel together maintain that the most successful trips are the ones in which each family member helps with planning. If your children are old enough, allow them to have some involvement and plan some activities, they can research at the library, bookstore or online. Find out what kind of things your children may want to do, such as sightseeing, museums or swimming.

Build in some down time into an otherwise busy itinerary. If you plan a day of activities and sightseeing, leave the evening free. As every parent knows, children can become tired and overwhelmed easily, especially if traveling in a foreign country, or suffering from jetlag. And most children enjoy keeping a journal or making a scrapbook about a major trip.2) Choose your plane seats carefully

If you are flying with children, seating will be one of your biggest concerns. If you book as far ahead as possible, you have a better chance of getting seats together, although pre-reserved seats are never actually guaranteed. If you are unable to get seats together, always arrive early at the airport and ask when you check in, most airlines make a practice of “blocking seats” which can then be given out to passengers at check in. If you are a family with small children, the airline can almost certainly rearrange seats to seat you together at the time you check in.

Ask your airline or travel agency for seats on the front row (also known as the bulkhead row) if you are flying with small children. You generally have a little bit more legroom, your children can see the movie screen easily and you are within easy reach of two things that your children might need: the galley and the restrooms! 3) Don’t forget your children’s medication!

Don’t forget to pack medication and toiletries for your children, as well as for yourself. If you are flying, you are generally able to take medication with you in your carry on bag. It’s a good idea to carry a doctor’s note or a prescription. Also, bring a small supply of medicines you probably will not need but will be glad that you had them with you – Tylenol, Benadryl and cough medicine.

If you are flying with small children, take something for your children to eat or drink during take off and landing, which can help to reduce the symptoms of changes in the cabin pressure. Small children often find the experience of popping ears frightening. A baby should be given a pacifier to suck on – this will help to minimize the popping of the ears, and have a soothing effect. 4) Keep your children amused

Make sure your children have toys and books to pass the time, whether you are flying or driving. One of the best investments you can make is a portable DVD player which can easily be used on board the plane, or in the back of the car. Don’t forget to charge it up before you travel; and don’t forget any extension plugs or adapters you might need.

Another good investment, especially if your child is reluctant to read, is a tape player and a selection of books on tape. Bring books that your child may have on their school reading list. Your local library may offer books-on-tape rental. Also, if your child a picky eater, you can ask your airline if they offer children’s meals, although unfortunately many airlines have discontinued them.5) Strollers, car seats and high chairs

One indispensable item may be a combination car seat, stroller and booster seat. The aptly named “Sit ‘n’ Stroll” is manufactured by Safeline Kids and can hold up to 40 pounds of weight. Generally speaking, if you are traveling by air, you are allowed a car seat or a stroller free of charge in addition to your regular luggage allowance.

If you need to take a high chair with you, try to choose one that’s portable, easy to pack and lightweight. You can actually purchase a high chair that clamps onto a table and folds up easily, to measure just over an inch thick – invaluable for crowded restaurants or the restaurant that’s out of high chairs.

Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning travel and vacation planning including Discount Travel | Cheap Flight
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A Guide To Popular Cruise Lines

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

What is a mantra of a wonderful vacation? If you believe me, natural splendor, blue waters and white sand make the perfect and most memorable vacations you can have. And if you are really interested in going in for one, then pack your bags and get ready for a sensational trip of the most happening cruise lines.
A cruise voyage will give it all right from the sprawling nature to blue waters of the oceans and the white sand on the beaches. And the best part of it, a cruise is your 24 hrs entertainment center where the sun never sets.
A cruise is a one stop entertainment for many occasions and events. A cruise allows you to celebrate family cruising and reunions, wedding, birthday celebrations, vacation travel, honeymoon and much more.
A cruise trip also allows and offers flexibility in planning various activities. You can plan to travel in the set of destinations from the hundreds of destinations offered by these sea liners. Do whatever, your cruise trip will be the most cherished experience you will ever have in your life.
Cruise trips have gained much popularity in the past couple of years due to which there are many cruise companies which offer the best of services to its travelers. The popularity is so much that it is estimated by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) that of the more than 10 million Americans who had taken cruises in the year 2004, around 5 million had taken the cruise for the first time.
This amazing piece of statistic is a reflection of the fact that cruising can be not only fun, but a tremendous vacation value. This vacation value can be rightly explored once you are on a cruise enjoying life.
A cruise vacation offers a quality time because it offers a great value in terms of the number of destinations from which you can choose your favorite one. And more value packed just because most of the cruises offer world-class dining and various on-board activities, along with many other activities like surfing, deep water fishing, skiing, kayaking etc which means you can have multiple vacations in one.
Also most of the cruise lines offer you the ease of sailing from a port near your city. You can book the cruise line fro a journey onboard and also for some of the most exciting shore and land excursions which may include tours, entertainment, adventure sports and activities and much more that will make the whole lot of cruising a memorable experience.
There are many cruise lines around the United States and Europe, which offer the best of the facilities and excursions. It is always to plan your trip ahead and book the cruise in advance as doing this would save you money, which obviously you can spend on some other sneaky extras. When finalizing a cruise line look for their track record and also compare the rates and the onboard facilities offered.

Find the best cruise line for your vacation this year at Cruiselinesbest.com. We have the most selection at the cheapest prices.
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Incredible Money-Saving Travel Tips

Monday, November 30th, 2009

If you love travel but you don’t want your vacation to break the bank, here are some helpful tips to keep the costs way down. 1. Join airline frequent flier programs and, if you like, sign up for credit cards that offer free miles. It’s awfully nice to kick off your vacation with a free flight to your vacation destination. But make sure to sign up for your free flight months in advance if possible. You want to make sure there are open seats on the flight. Also, if a flight is overbooked and you’re on vacation, why not give up your seat for a later flight and get a free ticket for your next trip? 2. If possible, find out the off-season for your destination and travel then. There’s a world of difference between season and off-season rates. Also, why travel to the most expensive international destinations? Some of the least expensive locations include Iceland, Hungary, Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Belize, Nicaragua, Brazil, and South Africa. You might be surprised what these nations have to offer tourists. Also check out the most reasonable currency exchange areas. For example, the internet says that in Taiwan or France, the most inexpensive places to exchange currency is at ATMs in the airport. 3. There are more and more all-inclusive vacation packages available at cut-rate prices. It can save a great deal of money to have tours/attractions, lodging, meals, and other amenities included in your package price. Paying for each of these things individually can easily double or triple your vacation costs. Sometimes you can get multi-day passes to various amusements or special rates if you go later in the day. Luxury cruises in particular offer some amazingly economical all-inclusive packages. 4. Ask your travel agent if there are apartments, condos, or even home rentals available at your destination. There are lots of desperate owners out there now who will rent a condo or fine home for significantly less than you’d pay in a nice hotel. Or check out Bed & Breakfasts: off season, you may pay less for extravagant lodging and gourmet breakfasts than you’d pay for a ho-hum hotel. If you have no choice, at least sign up for hotel loyalty programs that give you a free night after so many stays at their chain. 5. There are tons of ways to save on food. Many lodgings now offer free breakfast. If not, it’s usually less expensive to find a restaurant down the street for breakfast instead of eating in the hotel restaurant. Avoid room service or your hotel room mini-bar. Instead, bring soup or oatmeal packets and use the heated water in your coffee maker. If you want to splurge on a meal, lunches are usually less expensive in restaurants than dinners. Also you can save up for fabulous meals by eating nutrition bars during the day (Balance or Power bars), nuts, sandwiches, fruit, protein drinks, etc. In some places, restaurants which locals frequent can be much less expensive than the tourist traps. (Just make yourself aware of the countries where this can be hard on your digestive tract). 6. Speaking of food—what about coffee, local candies, gourmet delights. Instead of buying items like these in souvenir or touristy shops, check out local grocery stores or farmer’s markets for much lower prices. (just a head’s up: if you buy produce from a farmer’s market, make sure you wash it carefully with soap before consuming). You can buy a gourmet feast or great beverages for next to nothing in some countries. For example, in Costa Rica, superb coffee costs $8-12.00 in tourist shops but in grocery stores it is $.75-1.00 per pound. You can almost always find bottled water at cheaper prices than in your hotel or the airport. Do a little searching. And carry around a giant thermos with your favorite beverage. You’ll be surprised how much you can save on drinks. 7. Transportation can be a huge expense, so check out your options carefully. When you factor travel time to airports, arriving at an airport early, baggage claim, flight delays, etc, it may be both cheaper and faster to use the bus or train. Also, figure out whether it would be cheaper and more convenient to rent a car than to pay for shuttles, taxis, or trains (Streetwise and Michelin’s spiral bound maps are great). Of course, in places like Europe, euro-rail passes can’t be beat when bought for several weeks or months at a time. And trains in many places are getting faster and faster. 8. For those with kids, just a few friendly hints. Bring your collapsible stroller for the tots. This can save you frustration as well as stroller rent. Also for tots, if you’re going to stay at a hotel for a week or two, why not buy things like diapers, wipes, sippy cups, snacks, and other baby items at Amazon.com and have them delivered in advance to the hotel? If you spend at least $25, delivery is free, and most hotels will accept deliveries as long as you already have a confirmed reservation. Give your kids a pre-set spending limit for arcades, souvenirs, etc. Knowing their limit may save a lot of whining and begging. If your lodging has a nice pool, Jacuzzi, workout room, etc., why not spend a day with the kids at the pool? They’ll have fun and it will save you that extra day in amusement park costs. Yes, you can enjoy the vacation of a lifetime without putting your home in hock. Just follow these tips and plan ahead. Get ready for a lot of fun!

Debra Fortosis is a professional travel agent. You can book travel on her user friendly website. She can even help you easily launch your own turnkey e-travel business.
Book Travel: http://www.mndgetaways.com
Contact Debra today: mndgetaways@comcast.net

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All Inclusive Travel Packages,

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Adding up the Cost: Does All Inclusive Travel save you Money?

Absolutely! Not only will all inclusive travel deals save you money (most of the time) but they will also save you time and stress, leaving you with nothing to do but enjoy your travel adventure.

There are many types of all inclusive packages and the trick is to figure out just what they do and don’t’ include. Every person is different and has separate needs for their travel plans, but all inclusive travel plans are so varied these days that most people can be catered to. Once you know how you want to travel and where, what type of accommodations you want to stay in and what attractions you want to visit, it’s relatively easy to get it all put into a total package deal. Let someone else do all the leg work in finding great deals for you.

An on-line travel agent is probably the best place to start to get a great package deal. Using all their knowledge and experience, they can prepare your travel package right down to the smallest detail. They will take care of all your worries and they have the benefit of using their buying power to get you some excellent deals and packaging them all together and your food and beverages would be included (includes your adult drinks as well.)

All inclusive travel is popular with families. It takes a lot of hassle out of organizing the holiday. Resorts offer all inclusive packages, as do cruises. Once again you need to check, before you go, what the package does not include. For example, resort packages do not include the cost of some activities such as motorized water sports, golf, horse-riding and fishing charters. Childcare in some places is at an additional cost. If you take a cruise package expect to pay for alcohol and day trips around shore stops.

Some inclusive package deals offer things like ‘Kids Stay for Free’ or even better ‘Kids Stay and Eat for Free’. Remember to check exactly what these claims mean. If it says they stay for free, that’s all they get for free. You still have to pay for airfare and food for your little ones. And it may mean they only get free lodging if they share the parents’ room

Buying a package all ready put together can mean big savings. But remember taking a package deal might not get you to all the places you want to enjoy. It may not take you off the tourist track but leave you permanently stuck on it. If this is not what you’re after, then perhaps a package deal is not for you. For some people, half the fun of traveling is planning the trip themselves. You may be able to organize your travel plans for a cheaper deal and you may have the time to do it. For those of you that don’t have the time and want all the worry taken out of organizing your trip, buy a holiday package deal.

 

This article was provided by: Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Travel Guru

Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Travel Guru:
Sherry Hardesty has been a professional flight attendant for over 15 years. Her experience is extensive and she provides professional travel consulting and booking services at http://www.stuartstravel.com
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Advice On Getting The Better Cruise Deal

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Taking a cruise is very popular among vacationers who want to visit exotic lands for short periods of time. Enjoy the thrill and adventure of being on a cruise line with all of its activities and amenities that make taking a cruise so unique. The biggest question, of course, is where do vacationers find the best cruise deals? People want it all; great destinations and discount cruise deals all in one!
The Key to Finding Discount Cruise Deals
There is no secret to finding the best discount cruise deals. These deals exist at virtually any time, but finding them takes research and patience. You may find great discounts through a travel agency one year, but find they don’t offer the same deals the next. You may find rock bottom prices for a cruise at an agency only to discover that the cruise line itself is offering better package deals. They often throw in a few extras to entice you to buy directly from them. Seek out all avenues in order to find these cruise travel deals.
Best Places to Look for Cruise Deals
Online Cruise Dealers: When you enter “discount cruise deals” in the search box of places like Google or MSN, you get approximately 1 million results. That’s because so many places are offering cruise packages online. Of course, all of these places will tell you that they have the best deals, but use caution to ensure they are reputable and recognized. There are many services with renowned reputations as being good businesses. Unfortunately, there are scam sites out there that want your money with no cruise in return. When looking online ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I see a seal of approval on the website such as the Better Business Bureau or the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)? Travel sites that are approved by these establishments have met rigorous criteria and are places that you can trust. Other seals of approval may come from Cruise Line National Association.
2. Is this deal too good to be true? The competition is rather ferocious online for companies selling cruise package deals. You may see wordage on sites such as “best bargains” or “dirt cheap cruises.” These types of phrases throw up red flags for you. Ensure you read all the fine print before booking any cruise. You may find that there are extra fees involved; taxes, port charges and others. You will be surprised at how quickly these “extra fees” turn your low fare into a high-ticket item.
Here are some additional questions to ask yourself before forking over the cash to any online travel agency:
* Is there a fee for cancellations?
* Are there additional “hidden” fees from the site?
* Is there contact information available (phone number and physical address)?
* Does this site offer assistance to customers?
Brick and Mortar Travel Agencies: Many of the more popular cruise lines suggest you use a travel agent to book your cruise. A travel agent is best suited to find a cruise package deal that includes desired destination and price range. You will often find deals at travel agencies as well. Many people like the idea of seeing their agent face-to-face and getting their questions answered in a timely fashion. Travel agencies have also been known to thank you for your business by throwing in some onboard surprises; perhaps a bottle of wine in your cabin or some onboard perks.
The bottom line is that there is no shortage of vacation cruise deals to find. They are available year-round at many places. The important issue is to ensure you find legitimate deals that offer the most for your money. Never book your cruise without exhausting all of your options to find the best deals.

Thomas DeSimone is a cruise consultant for CRUISEDEALERSHIP which can help you Save on ANY cruise – ANY ship, ANY cruise line, ANY destination!
Find out how booking your CRUISE with them is as easy as 1-2-3. Log on at CRUISEDEALERSHIP.
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