How To Get The Best Price For A Cruise

You've wanted to take that cruise, to experience the excitement of new ports and places with your family. You've daydreamed about your place in the sun. You've made a million excuses to yourself why you can't. Perhaps you've thought that the cruise of your dreams is out of reach financially. You're in for a surprise.

The cruise industry is one of the fasting growing of the vacation/hospitality industries today. With the popularity of sea cruising growing by leaps and bounds cruise lines are growing and are able to offer more discounts to their customers. You also have the cruise industry at your fingertips through the use of the Internet. Every cruise line has a website where you can check cruises, dates and deals.

Each cruise line offers what they call theme packages. These packages are mean to attract a people of a certain lifestyle or age group. If you are traveling with your family you may qualify for a family discount, or, depending on your age, a senior discount. Some cruise lines offer honeymoon discount.

It is a little known fact that many cruise lines experience last minute cancellations. When this happens they are eager to fill the empty slots. If you are flexible you may be able to get an excellent last minute deal. Call the cruise line a few days before the ship is set to sail to see if there are any last minute deals.

If you become a frequent cruiser you may be able to get a discount as a repeat customer. Many cruise lines give discounts and a good percentage off if you book with them year after year, or, if you are planning more than one cruise in a year, if you book both cruises at the same time.

Along with checking for cruise deals online, don't forget that sometimes a travel agent is worth his/her weight in gold. Check with an experienced travel agent who may be able to help you get deals that aren't offered to online customers. This travel agent may also be able to help you get the best airfare price .

The cruise of your dreams is out there, and it's within your reach. Do your homework. The information is out there, it's up to you to find it.

by Jeff Slokum
About the Author
This article courtesy of http://www.cruise-holiday-guide.com

How to Plan a Cheap Vacation in the Bahamas

A trip to the Bahamas does not have to also mean a trip to a loan officer. The beautiful islands offer vacations for every budget. Even those with little to spare can make their way to the white and pink beaches by finding a cheap Bahamas vacation online. Websites such as Priceline and Hotwire are great places to start looking for a cheap Bahamas vacation These websites generally offer all-inclusive vacations, which helps to make the shopping experience easier. There are also plenty of other, lesser-known websites where travelers can find amazing deals on rentals, plane tickets, and more.

A cheap Bahamas vacation rental does not have to mean a lower standard of living. Consider Cookies Cabanas, a guest house on the beach of Cat Island. The home features a bedroom and bath with a double bed plus a hideaway bed and sits just 20 feet from a restaurant. Even better, this vacation home is only $90 per day. This low-priced home sits on an island considered one of the most beautiful in the Bahamas with high cliffs, densely-forested foothills, and 60 miles of deserted pink-and-white sand beach,.
In addition to cheap Bahamas vacation rentals, the Internet also offers many Bahamas vacation deals. Once again, vacation websites such as Priceline, Hotwire, and Orbitz are always publishing new Bahamas vacation deals. These websites often have last-minute vacation deals that offer spur-of-the-moment travelers a lower-price airline ticket so that the airline company can sell as many seats as possible.

Regardless of whether the traveler is leaving immediately or planning a vacation months in advance, it is always a good idea to purchase vacation packages on websites such as these, as packages often mean a savings over vacation arrangements purchased individually. The Bahamas is no longer a vacation destination only for the well-to-do. Thanks to online vacation websites, cheap deals can be found to suit any budget.
Bahamas Vacations Info provides detailed information on Bahamas vacation packages, rentals, family vacations, resorts, villas, ranging from cheap vacations to upscale retreats. Bahamas Vacations Info is the sister site of Lake Havasu Web.

by Jennifer Bailey

Mexico Honeymoon Vacations

Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and strategically located between Guatemala and the United States is a perfect destination for a romantic Mexico honeymoon vacation. This beautiful land of sunshine, clear blue seas, crystal-white beaches, high and impressive mountains and volcanoes and jungles of exotic wildlife provides honeymooners with lots to see and do. In fact, places like Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco are amongst the most romantic resorts in Mexico for honeymooners. You will find a little bit of everything from the romantic to adventurous, as well as secluded moments of art and history in Mexico.

The enigma of Mexico honeymoon vacations will leave the newlyweds with unforgettable romantic memories. Dining to eye-opening and amazing moments of a Mexican trio’s soulful and heartfelt love songs in garden restaurants and dancing under the romantic moonlight are just the prelude of romance in an exotic venue.

Additionally, shopping activities are not left out and it is easy and fun to spend quality time bargaining in Insurgentes Market of Zona Rosa for brilliant Mexican handcrafts – authentic pottery, jewelry and blankets. Go for a walk through the city which has been standing for centuries and go snorkeling or just enjoy the sun on Mexico’s Riviera – renowned beach in Cancun and visit the Mayan ruins at southern Quintana Roo of Mexico on a horseback riding tour.

Couples who love privacy, relaxing and pampering will find these services offered by most of the Mexico honeymoon resorts. There is a variety of resorts to choose from located all over Mexico, such as the Celba del Mar Spa Resort and Hyatt Cancun Caribe Resorts and Villas in Cancun, Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco, Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Ensenada, El Cozulmeleño Beach Resort in Cozumel, and The Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta. In these resorts you will be sure of obtaining excellent facilities in spa treatments, sauna, steam baths, Jacuzzi and fitness centers with professional consultants. In fact, many of these resorts offer exclusive double massage areas for couples.

Mexico honeymoons are not complete without visits to exotic cities in Mexico, each of them bringing forth their own platter of unique attractions. For instance, Cabo San Lucas, attracts crowds with its mysterious natural hideaway and its romantic appeal. While Cancun offers both sophistication and history as well as beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea water.

Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, provides a romantic combination of the traditional Mexico and modern hideaways. The ever famous Acapulco rightfully referred to as the

by Randy Wilson
About the Author
Randy has more articles on weddings at

Planning a Perfect Romantic Vacation

Our cruise specialist says " You can't go wrong on the Love Boat (Princess Cruise Lines) or Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' ship, Paul Gauguin, cruising the islands of Tahiti. Several agents echo her thoughts that Tahiti is truly a lovers getaway, highly recommending the "over the water bungalows" at the Hotel Bora Bora. The tropical sunsets are out of this world.

When it comes to the Caribbean, several islands come to mind. Sandals St. Lucia is a couple's only resort which caters to your every need, and the location is just perfect. Anse Chastnaet, St. Lucia is another wonderful property, ask for open hillside rooms and wake up with an unobstructed view of the Pitons.

Cayman Islands is known for it's beautiful beaches, wonderful shopping and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Turks and Caicos offers 12 miles of uninterrupted beach, a laid back attitude and an abundance of underwater life.

In Mexico it's Shangri-La, located on the Mexican sun coast. Where else can you relax in your hammock and listen to the sounds of the ocean. If you prefer the pacific side, may we suggest La Casa que Canta perched on a cliff surrounded by the sea of Zihuatanejo Bay, with a magnificent panoramic view.

Any Hawaiian island offers that exciting tropical flare, but when asked to pick the most romantic Kauai is the choice, it's those secluded beaches and the beautiful scenery. The Hyatt Regency offers a wonderful, sophisticated setting on Poipu Beach.

It's hard to top the ambiance of Paris, a stroll down the sidewalk, a romantic dinner at a café, the Eiffel Tower, the Louve. It's the history, the love of art, the exquisite taste of the entire city that make it a city for lovers.

Lake Tahoe, where else can you enjoy all the outdoor adventure and still have great shows and entertainment. Enjoy a sunset over the lake as you relax with a drink in your hand.

The number one choice is the wonderful city of San Francisco it's rolling hills, China town, Little Italy the Warf, great food and fun awaits all it's visitors. With only 43 guest rooms, El Drisco is the perfect boutique hotel an exquisite setting, many of the rooms offer a spectacular view of either the San Francisco Skyline or the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Make some time for the wine country whether you choose Sonoma or Napa you can't go wrong. Rent a convertible and cruise from winery to winery, stopping for lunch at quaint cafés along the way. Settling down in a homey Bed and Breakfast at the end of romantic drive, it's just the perfect weekend.

Well we hope we wet your appetite, whether it's one above, one that we missed, or your own special hideaway let our consultants plan your romantic getaway.

by James Toni
About the Author
Romance
and HoneyMoon Travel - Find the best romantic travel spots in the
world and ask our romance

travel specialists your questions about the top romantic destinations

Travel Tips For Getting Through the Airport Easier and Quicker

Traveling is different now than it was before 9/11. Arriving at the airport even earlier than before, standing in line longer while waiting to pass through security, having luggage x-rayed, and being pulled aside for random security checks make the time it takes to travel more lengthy than it used to be. Planning ahead can shave off a few minutes here and there and hopefully make your travels less frustrating. Here are some things I have found to be helpful when traveling:

* Make a list. Other than clothes, write down everything you need to take with you (camera, film, sun screen, hand sanitizer, book, etc.) and pack it ahead of time. This will avoid taking extra time to put it in your suitcase or bag at the last minute since you have to arrive at the airport earlier now.

* Before you leave home, put your jewelry and watch in a little cosmetic bag down inside the bag you carry on the plane and put your jewelry on once you’ve passed through security. Since security has been tightened there is a good chance that you will beep and have to take it off anyway.

* Remember to pack things such as fingernail kits (that include nail files, clippers, etc.) in the suitcase you will be checking and not in your carry-on bag. You are no longer allowed to carry these items on the plane.

* Purchase a zippered pouch (I got mine at AAA) to keep your ID, boarding passes, e-ticket, and travel itinerary in. Then put the pouch in a side pocket of the bag you carry on the plane. Keeping this information together will keep you from digging for it each time you need it.

* Try not to wear clothing that requires a belt (with buckle) or clothing that has any metal, metal buttons, or anything on it that would cause you to beep when you go through security. This will just slow down the process and you want to keep moving as quickly as possible.

* If the airport you are departing from has curbside check-in, take advantage of it. It is often quicker than standing in line once you are inside the airport.

Sometimes just remembering the little things will help you get through the airport smoothly and avoid those little delays that give you a big headache.

by Sherry Otto
About the Author
http://www.great-caribbean-vacations.com
Specializing in fun Caribbean vacations! Also offering travel tips, hot spots, and information about romantic vacations, beach vacations, sailing vacations, golf vacations, shopping vacations, and Caribbean cruises.

Finding Really Cheap Plane Tickets

The best place to buy really cheap plane tickets is online. Travel agencies can't compete with discount ticket sites. Search Google ("cheap airfare south america", for example), or try the well-known sites, like Expedia, Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Hotwire or Priceline.

Just now I checked fares from Tucson, Arizona to Traverse City, Michigan on the five sites mentioned above. The cheapest quotes ranged from $704 to $432. Nevermind which was cheapest (oh, okay, it was Expedia), because you never know from day to day which sites will find the cheapest flights.

Check at least three places. In this case, it would mean a savings of $272. The flight durations are within minutes of each other, by the way, and the food is probably equally bad on all the flights.

Flexibility For Even Cheaper Airfare

The more flexible you are, the better your chance of getting a really cheap plane tickets. Try different departure and return dates if you can. Check the box "2 or more connecting flights". Mark the "anytime" departure, even if you don't want to leave at midnight - the savings might change your mind. Try all the options. If the savings aren't enough, you can always book first class, direct flights, or whatever you prefer.

Really Cheap Plane Tickets - More Ways

You can buy two tickets. The cheapest airfare from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Tucson, Arizona costs $451 roundtrip right now. Las Vegas to Tucson is only $161, however, and there are regular $199 specials to Vegas from Grand Rapids. It's up to you whether saving $91 is worth booking two flights. (It saved us over $1000 when we went to South America.) There is the problem of whether you'll get a refund if your timing is off on the connections (you probably won't).

Check for package deals, where you pay for plane tickets and your hotel room. I haven't had much luck with these deals, but it can't hurt to look at them.

Buying ahead of time gets you cheaper plane tickets. Any thing less than a week away tends to be expensive, although you never can tell in the mysterious realm of airfare pricing. Sometimes the "last minute specials" are the best thing going.

Priceline still has their "Name Your Own Price" feature. Make your bid, and the airlines say yes or no, depending on whether they have empty seats to fill. First search for the cheapest tickets you can find, then bid lower than that. If your bid is rejected, you can return to the website where you found the best deal and book it.

If You're Really Cheap

My wife and I once took a bus from Michigan to Miami, and flew from there to Ecuador. For us at that time, saving a couple hundred dollars was worth 38 hours on a bus. This won't save you much on domestic flights. Right now, for example, taking a bus from Traverse City to Detroit, then flying to Los Angeles, would only save about $70 (allowing for cab fare to the airport) over flying directly.

There are other options beyond the scope of this article. Courier flights, for example, can be a great deal if you don't mind letting a company use your baggage allowance (you get carry-on only). There are also stand-by deals and last minute deals and other ways to get really cheap plane tickets. Good luck!



About the author:
Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For more on cheap plane tickets, and to read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com


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How To Pick Those Exotic Vacation Spots

I'm often asked how I find my "exotic" places for vacations. It's actually pretty simple.

You can do it, too.

Basically, I stumble upon them. That's my secret.

The real key however, is that I always have my antennas up. I look, I read, I surf, I listen. Then most of the time, something just clicks and things fall into place. There's no requirement for in-depth study. The trick is in keeping up the antenna.

First, look at the Sunday paper Travel section or supplement. This section is always chocked full of destinations, travel specials, deals and tips. Make yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea, sit in a quiet spot and scan the paper. Yes, just scan it.

Pay particular attention to the tiny classified ads that pepper the edges of the pages. These are usually low overhead, low cost tour agencies or consolidators that have great offerings major agencies do not. Most of them focus on specialty niches such as Scandinavia or South America. Most will also have website to poke around and all will have a telephone number for you to call if you want to talk to anyone. Best yet, most of them will list destinations you never even thought of . . . how do you think I decided to go to Rarotonga and found a great airfare deal to get there?

The big full page ads are worth a scan, too. While most of them are placed by airlines or top travel agencies, take the time to look at them. I rarely book travel this way but every now and then the offer is too good to pass up. I got a United Airlines package to Australia a couple of years ago that I doubt I will ever see offered again.

As you scan look for key words to catch your attention. Words like "special," "deal," "limited time" or "book until" will make you stop scanning and read.

If you do this for a few weeks you'll be amazed at what you start to notice. Queuing up your brain to recognize deals and destinations comes with this simple scanning of these pages each week.

Another great source of information is your favorite magazines. As you flip through pages look for ad campaigns. Cities engage in tourist campaigns. Regions engage in tourist campaigns. Entire countries engage in tourist campaigns. Scan the pages for those glossy, colorful ads and just note what they are touting. Some campaigns I noticed myself this week are Napa Wine Country Fall Tours, Canadian Cities Weekend Getaways, Discover Thailand, and San Diego Tourism.

Another resource is your radio. What do you hear on the radio? Is your favorite station giving away Hawaiian getaways? Are they handing out airplane tickets to caller number 100? Where are they heading? Are you filing them away in the back closet of your mind? Anything can be a source of quick information.

And, its fun to do!

So now that you are accumulating a library card index in your brain of destinations, prices and specials, what do you do with it?

You either play it safe or take a risk. . . .

by Joyce Jackson
About the Author
Joyce Jackson is a 30 year travel veteran offering tips and expertise to new and inexperienced travellers. HAve a great trip the first time and every time.

http://travel-packing-tips.com

Airport Travel Tips: Reducing Waiting Times

Key Travel Tips
Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint.
Before you go to the Airport
•Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport.
•Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only.
•Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
•Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
•Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.
•Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
•Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
•If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock.
•Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.
•Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.
While at the Airport
Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display these documents more than once.
•Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
oMobile phones
oKeys
oLoose change
oMoney clips
oPDA's (personal data assistants)
oLarge amounts of jewelry
oMetal hair decorations
oLarge belt buckles
•Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
•Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.

by Marisol Boatwright
About the Author
Marisol Boatwright is an Independent Travel Agent with Global Travel International. She has years of experience in the travel agency business and wants to help people with their travel needs. Whether it be for hotel or air reservations, auto rentals, cruises, or vacation packages, Marisol will be able to help.
http://boatrighttravels.globaltravel.com
mailto:boatwrim@bellsouth.net