Tips For The Right Holiday Travel Package

Well it is not usually wise to be traveling during holidays as these are the times when almost every other person in the world is traveling. It is of course best to plan ahead or book ahead and go to your destination early to avoid all the hassle but if you're one of those last minute people or probably one of those who can't really avoid it, you should follow the next few tips for a fairly better journey and maybe a cheaper stay.

- Holiday travel packages were never made with only one person in mind; no two people are alike, keep this in mind because the agencies that packed them have kept these in mind, use this fact to haggle your way into cheaper or sometimes better deals. Even if there are ready made packages, you can ask for extra perks especially if you're staying for more than a week.

- Be careful of travel agents. Travel agents may give you the best deal for your package, which normally include airfare, lodgings and transportation, but a really good agent can be really flexible. One example would be if you want a rental car for the first half of your trip but you want to get rid of it by the second half, a good agent can arrange this for you, sometimes for a cheaper price.

- Be sure that the package you want is available, you don't want to get pulled into something that ends up being sold out, some people give out too-good-to-be-true packages which end up being "sold out" in the end, so before you make a deal or transfer a morsel of cash, make sure that it is still available.

- Be sure to know exactly what airline and route your taking, you won't want those unpleasant layovers which can be a real pain, not to mention delay your schedule.

- A good sign of a good package is one that is very flexible, as said before, no two people are alike, and a good package should reflect that, it should allow you to choose between destinations, as well as brands and lodgings without changing the price. A choice in which rental car to take is also a sign of a good package.

- Finally, it's good to ask for discounts that you might get if you do certain stuff, like stay in the hotel for more than a week, or sign up on the internet instead of by phone. Research first before you cough up the money for down-payment; make sure you've exhausted all possible discount generating ways before you decide on a package.

by Stanley Emerson
About the Author
Destination Found! Visit the Travel Resources Blog http://www.push-button-online-income.com/travel-guide

Tips For A Vacation That Is More Fun And Less Expensive

Just about everyone loves to travel, and travel is one of the most intriguing and fun activities one can engage in. Travel provides the remarkable ability to see the world from a whole new perspective, and I for one believe that if people traveled more outside their country there would be far less war and trouble in the world.

When asked why they do not travel, one of the most frequently cited reasons is lack of money. Lack of funds, however, does not need to be a barrier to traveling the world. Obviously if you're flat broke you may not be able to travel as you wish, but most people have at least some disposable income, and it can be surprisingly inexpensive to travel to many places.

One of the primary considerations for any budget minded traveler is where to stay. Fortunately, there are many budget friendly options when it comes to putting a roof over your head for the night. For solo travelers, hostels can provide, clean safe accommodations and the chance to meet and interact with people from all over the world. Best of all, the prices are almost impossible to beat. For instance, most hostels in major U.S. cities range from $20 to $30 a night, when a hotel room would set you back a cool $150-$200 or even more.

In Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, hostel accommodations are even cheaper, with many charging the equivalent of $5 a night or even less. The key is to check the internet and see what is available in your destination. Many hostels even provide online booking, so you can arrive with your lodging issues already taken care of.

For couples, a budget hotel can be a great choice. There are many such hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts, located all around the world. Again, many of them are on the internet, and like hostels many can be booked online before you leave home.

Another great way to save money while still having a great vacation is to use the public transportation system. Most destinations in Europe, and many in the United States and Canada as well, have excellent, fast, reliable, and cheap public transportation systems. You can probably by a weekly bus pass for less than what you would pay to rent a car for a single day. And public transportation also frees you from the hassles of parking the car, keeping it gassed up and learning your way around.

Another important key to traveling cheap is traveling light. Trekking around Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, or the Americas does not require a mountain of luggage. If you are unsure whether to pack it, chances are it is best left at home. It is best to take a couple of sturdy and versatile outfits, and a good pair of walking shoes, and leave the rest at home.

Getting the best airfare, along with finding the cheapest place to stay, is one of the essential cornerstones of successful budget travel. There are a number of strategies for getting the best deal on airfare, from using credit cards to rack up frequent flier miles, to using discount airlines, to traveling in the off or shoulder season. The strategy that is best for you depends on your individual needs, and on the location you choose.

Keeping the money you do have for travel safe and secure is always a concern when traveling. Most seasoned travelers have learned to use a hidden money belt to carry passports, plane tickets and the majority of their cash. Using an in room safe is also a good idea. It is generally best to use credit cards for major purchases, and keep only a small amount of cash on hand for incidental purchases. Not only do credit cards provide the best exchange rates, but you are not liable for fraudulent purchases as long as you report the card stolen in a timely fashion.

Travel does not have to be out of reach, even for the most budget minded traveler. The key is to shop wisely, focus on your priorities and get the most out of the money you do spend.

by Gordon Phillips
About the Author
Travelling is a much loved past time for the author. To find out more, check out www.great-travel-info.com for more information.

Cruising the Caribbean should be on your list of things to do for 2006

Even if you have traveled to the Caribbean before, working with a licensed travel agent is an excellent idea. Not only does a travel agent have a wealth of resources on destinations and cruise lines, but they are also the best person to contact with questions or concerns. Working with an agent from the beginning will make your whole trip smoother and more relaxing, giving you time to focus on enjoying yourself.

There are many different islands you can visit in the Caribbean-each with its own distinct flair. No matter which island you choose, you're bound to have a fabulous time. I have decided to share some information about the USVI and BVI for all you future cruisers because if there is one trip you must book in your lifetime, it is visiting the Virgin Islands.

First, there are the US Virgin Islands consisting of a few large and many small islands, the large and most well known are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

St. Thomas is a very mountainous island and is a frequent cruise stop for most cruise lines. St. Thomas is home to a beautiful town called Charlotte Amalie which also happens to be the capital of the Virgin Islands. The town was named in 1962 after the Queen of Denmark and has a population of approximately 62,000. Tourism is the name of the game on St. Thomas attracting over 3 million tourists per year.

St. Croix is the first island Christopher Columbus landed on and originally named it Santa Cruz. I understand his stay was brief there and he was forced to flee, later naming the group of islands Las Islas Virgenes or The Virgin Islands. St. Croix is the largest of the USVI at 82 square miles and right off the north east side of the island you will find Buck Island which happens to be one of the world's finest dive spots.

St. John is the smallest of the islands and is most well known for its untouched forests and beaches which are part of the National Park. They offer a phenomenal Jeep or Safari bus tour that is sure to be a memorable experience. Some of the land activities also include horseback riding, donkey trail rides, rock climbing, exploring historic ruins, and some of the clearest scuba diving imaginable.

Next we have the British Virgin Islands which consist of over 50 islands and cays. The primary islands are Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Tortola, which may sound familiar due to the recent success of the film, "Pirates of the Caribbean", is very spectacular. Tortola is the main island of the BVI. Due to the turtle like shape of the island, the island is dually named. Driving the island alone can be a magnificent experience. Take a jeep ride around the island and take witness of the spectacular landscape filled with hairpin turns and sheer descents.

Virgin Gorda is about 20 miles east of Tortola, 80 miles east of Puerto Rico. Virgin Gorda is a must see and one of the sightseeing stops that you must make sure to visit is "The Baths. One of nature's greatest creations, the unique landscape is filled with crystal clear tidal pools, caves to explore and play in, surrounded by these giant boulders that give the unique area a fort type of feeling. Your family, loved ones, lover, everyone will adore this spot.

Which Cruise Lines visit the Virgin Islands? Most Cruise Lines do, make it your travel agents job to find the right one for you. Look for the last minute deals; you can save a lot of money that way. Here are some that look great to me:

Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Liberty - 8-day Cruise Starting in Fort Lauderdale with stops in San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, Nassau 2006 Sails: Jan 7, Mar 4, Apr 1, Dec 9

Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic - 7-day Cruise 7 Days Starting in Port Canaveral with stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Johns, Castaway Cay 2006 Sails: Jan 7, Jan 21, Feb 4, Feb 18, Mar 4, Mar 18, Apr 1, Apr 15, Apr 29, May 13, Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 5, Sep 2, Sep 30, Oct 28, Nov 25

Holland America Line, Zuiderdam - 11-day Cruise 11 Days Starting in Norfolk with stops in Half Moon Cay, St Thomas, Cabrits, Roseau, Bridgetown, Basseterre, San Juan 2006 Sails: Jan 7, Feb 9, Feb 20, Mar 3, Mar 14, Mar 25

Princess Cruises, Caribbean Princess - 7-day Cruise 7 Days Starting in Ft. Lauderdale with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Princess Cays 2006 Sails: Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 4, Mar 11, Mar 18, Mar 25, Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22, Apr 29, May 13, May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 22

When you are shopping for deals and dates, use an online travel agent to help you. There are so many great informational cruise sites on the internet these days with tons of helpful tips and info. Let an agent help you find a cruise and let them help you decide which gorgeous sun-drenched island will be best for your getaway.

Since many Caribbean cruises depart from such exotic ports as Fort Lauderdale and San Juan, Puerto Rico, you might consider combining your cruise with a layover in your port of departure. These areas are steeped in history and interesting culture, and are a wonderful way to extend your vacation. In addition to helping you book your cruise, your travel agent will be able to help you arrange all aspects of your travel, including deluxe hotel accommodations and airfare to your port of departure.

by TJ Elliott
About the Author
TJ Elliott is the Internet Marketing Consultant for Joystar Cruises. Joystar Cruises, formerly known as the Miami Cruise Center offers huge cruise discounts daily. Their custom booking engine automatically updates the site with the best cruise deals online. -TJ

Best Places to Find Travel Bargains

If you still think that the best travel deals are only a call away to your favorite travel agent, you could be spending more than you’ve bargained for. A good travel agency is no longer the best way to save on your next vacation, especially if you know exactly what you are looking for.

In the last decade, internet travel sites have exploded. Many people now only shop for their vacations and business trips via the internet. With so much information offered, pictures, descriptions and fellow travelers opinions, you would be crazy not to consult the internet.

There are many sites that offer great deals. There are the big sites such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia. They are connected with all the major airlines, car rental agencies and cruise lines. They can offer huge discounts on quoted prices in brochures. Many of these sites are great for last minute travelers. Many airlines and resorts don’t want to waste rooms or seats that will probably not be used, so in the last few days, there are always big discounts to be found.

There are also a few sites that actually check all the other sites for the best deal. Sidestep is a site that keeps track of lowest available flights and other travel necessities, showing you up to the minute details on the best fares.

So for many trips, it is no longer necessary to call the travel agency, there are plenty of bargains to find online.

Find discounted tickets, airfare, vacations, and cruises with up to 90% off regular rates. Every day, thousands of tickets and fares become automatically discounted by companies due to unclaimed or unsold status. You can find and purchase all types of tickets for a fraction of their face value through our proprietary database sources. That type of direct discount purchases were previously available only to authorized travel agents, and now, through our website only, you will be able to access thousands of unclaimed ticket sources. Read more => 'Guide How to Find Travel Bargain'

Great Tips For Planning Cheap Family Vacations

Planning cheap family vacations is often something that we need to do because travel and entertainment is just so expensive. Caring for a family is very expensive, and when you want to take your family on vacation costs can get out of control. But, family vacations don't need to break the bank. With some careful planning and some flexibility you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your family vacations. Cheap doesn't mean that you have to give up the things that you want, it simply means that you have to get creative to get the things you want without spending every dime you have (or don't have).

Cheap family vacations can be just as great as something that you pay a lot of money for if you plan ahead of time. Most of the time, planning ahead can save you hundreds of dollars. Most people are aware that when you purchase your airline tickets several weeks or months in advance it's typically much cheaper then when you buy in the days leading up to your departure. So, when you are planning your family vacations, purchase your airline tickets as far in advance as possible. Your savings here can go into buying fun things, eating out, or other forms of entertainment while on vacation.

Another great way to save money on airline tickets and car rentals is to book them online. Several of the online travel web sites offer substantial savings to customers who book all of these things at one time. Even if the savings is only ten percent, ten percent adds up when you consider the amount of money you'll be spending when you buy plane tickets for your entire family, rent a car, and pay lodging expenses. That ten percent can go to fun things, or go into the planning of future family vacations.

Vacation rentals are a great way to save money on family vacations. Vacation rentals are bigger than hotel rooms, giving your family more space. Since most come with full kitchens you can cook some meals and save on restaurant expenses. Another way to save is to book a vacation rental direct from the owner, instead of through a management company, who essentially is a middleman.

Another great way to take cheap family vacations is to stay in an area right outside the popular area you wish to visit. Hotel rates and rental fees are usually outrageous in very popular areas, but if you travel even a mile away the rates are often much lower. Rates skyrocket during the seasonal months; you'd be surprised by how much. When you are first considering family vacations, call ahead to your destinations and inquire what their off season prices are, you'll likely suffer sticker shock when you hear how much the prices are inflated when the tourists come around. You can save so much that it's worth waiting just a week or two to literally save hundreds or even thousands of dollars during your family vacations. It doesn't matter how big your family is, the price difference between the seasonal and off season prices may be enough to keep the richest man home until prices drop!

Family vacations can easily be great experiences for every member of the family, especially when money isn't a constant worry on the trip. Planning ahead and taking the steps to save money where you can, will help alleviate the financial pressures so that the whole family will have a good time, including mom and dad. Cheap family vacations are not synonymous with poor quality because nothing has to be given up, no compromises made. If you plan it right, you can stay in nice places, enjoy the things you want to enjoy, you can just do it for less!

by David Goldschmidt
About the Author
David Goldschmidt heads GreatFamilyRentals.com, a leading directory of href="http://www.greatfamilyrentals.com/">vacation rentals by owner. Find villas and condos for your next vacation. Owners can href="http://www.greatfamilyrentals.com/addrental.html">list vacation rentals for more bookings.