Cruise Vacations - Now Affordable for Everyone

There was a time not so long ago that the idea of a cruise seemed out of reach for many. Either people would have visions in their heads of being on steerage from the movie Titanic, or thinking of modern times, they would just be priced out of the market place to purchase such tickets. Well today is a new day and a quality ticket for going on a cruise is within reach for many.

Let’s take a look at some actual offers that the major cruise lines are making right now. How about starting with a seven night cruise for less than $300 a person for double occupancy state rooms? That’s a reality. We’ve also seen incredible deals for price tags of cruises under $400 where you’ll get an ocean cruise and for less than $600 you get all of this and a balcony. No don’t look around, you’re not in the bizzzaro world, you’re in a major economic decline and this is reality.

Let’s take a look a one specific cruise line that has a great brand and name associated with it, Norwegian Cruise Lines. This company is currently offering an eleven-night cruise across the Atlantic Ocean at an average rate of $474 per person, and this includes $100 in shopping credit on the boat !!!You start off in Miami Florida and head across the seas toward Spain and finally end up in Dover England.

There are plenty more of these types of deals out there, just check out the searches for “cruise specials” and “budget cruise travel” and you’ll see many show up.

US Airways Vacations - Discount Travel to Las Vegas

Every day it seems like one more big time name or brand in the travel industry is doing their “little” thing to respond to the declining economic situation. We've had a few posts in the past few days mentioning some big names like Priceline, Orbitz and Travelocity. US Airways Vacations officially adds their name to the discount travel game with their current promotion for Las Vegas Vacation Packages. The deal, quite simple. US Airways is giving away tickets to shows in Las Vegas when customers book a Las Vegas Vacation Package.

The Las Vegas Vacation Packages are fantastic too. They come with a basic plan that includes a four night stay at any number of top Las Vegas Hotels and include round trip flight to and from Las Vegas to your destination. Obviously not all packages are priced the same based on the fact that so many different types of hotels can be booked. That is, customers to US Airways Vacations can choose from highly rated hotels to moderately rated hotels. Pricing and hotel room rates are relative to the price.

What's the catch? From every thing we've investigated there doesn't seem to be one, and what's more the shows are top headlines. Tickets to shows include Criss Angel's Believe, Love, Zumanity and O. Oh, I'm sorry, there does seem to be one catch, but it's not bad. All Las Vegas vacation packages must be booked by February 20th, 2009 and the trip must take place and be finished by June 1st, 2009. Is that such a catch? I don't think so and from a business perspective deals like this with definitive and tangible time lines seem to be working.

There is no doubt that discount traveling and vacations priced like this and offering such incredible premiums can't be permanent or continuous, but at least it shows that companies are responding in a positive way.

Hotel Savings at 50% Discounts.

It seems like everyone these days is reacting to the world wide storm that has fallen upon the economy. The big boys of internet travel are doing the same. 

With hundreds of thousands of employees being laid off or having to deal with major cutbacks that include furloughs or work stoppage money is very tight. How these businesses react NOW will effect the how we all weather through the storm. Not doing so will have a domino effect that can be catastrophic.

So with all the doom and gloom out of the way let's get to the good news. There are some tremendous deals out there being offered by great companies.

Let's begin with Travelocity's Silver Lining Sale. If you go to their site the promotion offers several featured destinations with hotel rate discounted up to 50%. The deal is only temporary and the promotion actually ends February 16th. The other issue with this promotion is that if you go to the site or other marketing posts about this deal they make a statement that many of the deals may no longer be available. I've come across several people that have found this to be frustrating but a deals a deal and it it definitely worth looking at the deals this company has.

Not to be left behind Priceline, heralded by famous actor, singer and poet James Shaffner, is upping the ante by pushing it's own 50% savings program. The only issue is Priceline has been pushing the fact that they offer 50% savings with their unique pricing program anyway. That being said, as with Travelocity several deals of quality area available.

Another smaller site Reserve Vacations, which recently launched in the fall of 2008, has been offering some unique rates for accommodations that also come with add ons known as premiums. Premiums are the extras provided with a vacation package which may include such things as free tickets to area shows, rounds of golf or restaurants. Now the rates for these packages are ridiculously low. There is a little caveat to these packages also. The low discounts are provided in an effort to get travelers to the properties to hear sales presentations for timeshare opportunities. 

Keep your eye out because there are many deals out there and many more companies are finding new and inventive ways to maintain a share in the current declining market. 

Tips for Making the Most Out of Any Vacation..and Not Spending a Lot of Money...

There is no doubt that there are a lot of services out there that "claim" to offer great discounts on vacations and other vacation packages. My last post had information about treading lightly while looking for travel deals because many scams are out there. In today's post I like to offer a little advice in preparing for a trip. That is, things not to do that will first and foremost cost you money, but not waste your time or put you in a position to be harmed. It's all very important. Sure vacations are something that should not have an element of "work" with it, but there is no avoiding the adult nature of planning. It's just the way it is.

Two of the types of vacation packages that I've spoken often about in my latest posts have been to destinations like Cancun or those that are near theme parks. Each type of vacation has it's advantages, but also it must be stated that a better planned vacation makes for more fun, less stress and less cost.

For either of the type of vacation you plan, that is going to a destination that is sun drenched and has miles and miles of beach, or the type of destination that has super theme parks, the following suggestions make for the best trip.

1- Wear Sunscreen. Yes, I know this seems ridiculous, but I can't think of a more important initial step that needs to be taken than to put on your suncscreen. Get that sunscreen on those kids too. Sure there is no doubt that the sun has it's effects over the long term, but I'll tell you what. No one wants to deal with a kid with severe sun burn during a vacation.

2- Dress comfortably. This is not the time to put on those new shoes you bought to look good. I had an uncle that was in Vietnam and he said if there was one little bit of advise he had to anyone that was to keep your feet warm, clean, and comfortable. You're on them for hours and hours and having to contest with that new blister you got while visiting and using the Silver Dollar City Vacation Package you got a great deal.

3- Know the transportation services in the area. I'm serious. This actually goes hand in hand with dressing comfortably. Many of the destinations you will go on vacation to or visit have towns that actually provide free transportation. Like the owe so famous monorail of Disneyworld, these other towns also offer one form or another of shuttle service or car service to get around town. This can save a ton of money on bus fare or even renting a car. The reality is you really don't need to rent a car in many of these destiantions.

4- This one may also seem ridiculous and maybe not even practical, but think about traveling off season. That is maybe heading to a place of beauty like Cancun near the summer or to a ski resort right before the season starts. Sure there are definite draw backs to doing this, like being on the beach in Cancun when it's 150 degrees, or trying to ski down a moutain of grass, but these aren't the absolutes. I've heard many great stories where someone took a trip to Cancun in late may to be greeted with wonderful whispy air and one guy that traveled to Colorado in early november to enjoy an early snowstorm.

All in all a lot of what I mentioned above may seem like common sense, but I'm sure like most of of if we don't think through the options the obvious never even gets on our radar.

Should any of you have any ideas that can really help out with keeping a vacation fun, stress free and from hemorraging money, as always please offer your advise and tips here.

Discount Vacation Packages for Second Thought Destinations...

If one were to put a gun to another's head and force them to list out, say five destinations that are the quintessential definition and synonymous with vacation it would be safe to say that 9 times out of 10 that list would include Las Vegas, Hawaii, Miami, Orlando and Cancun. Of course other cities and/or destinations could come to mind, but the point is there is no doubt that a second tier of destinations is probably equally equated to vacation destination. Two such places in my mind include Niagara Falls and Bermuda. Of course in this time of economic downturn and financial uncertainty the topic of vacations is far from many peoples minds. For those of you that still want to find that silver lining and also see what kind of discounts are available for a getaway, I have a few for Niagara Falls and Bermuda.

First for Niagara Falls. In doing some research for quality places to recommend one such resort and package kept showing up. The Americana Conference Resort and Spa is a can't miss. First it's a top quality property. Second, it has it all !!! From well appointed rooms and suites, to a first class spa and finally a fantastic indoor water park called Waves. General package prices that include room, voucher for dinner and passes to the water park average around $250 to $300 a night. Special rates are available for certain dates.

The second spotlight destination, Bermuda is equally fantastic as an option. And just like Niagara Falls, some great vacation packages are available, especially in the face of a soft consumer market. After some careful searching, the best place I've seen for finding great packages to Bermuda is the official Bermuda Tourism site. The site offers a compilation of packages from various resorts and varying by premiums. The average package price I've seen for a four day trip per person is about $750. That's fantastic.

There are other great destinations that often are a second thought. Trust me, many offer hidden treasures at deep discounts to the best known destinations and are worth a look.

Discount Travel Deals for October 10th..

With all the fuss and huff going on about the economic downturn people are really tightening their belt. The only issue is in this day and age, and a friend of mine has to be given credit for this statement, people really just want to be happy. There was a time and place, say back in the 1930's when the Great Depression hit, where a sense of acceptance to not being able to control one's environment was a mainstay in peoples personalities. Today, that just isn't the case. 

Today one of the biggest declines and downturns in almost a century has shaken the United States economy down to it's core, but still people go to dinner, go to shows and go on vacation. It's just that now most are taking a different approach to evaluating their options. I present to you all for your consideration discounts through renting vacation properties.  And here are a few to whet your whistle from various areas.

West Hollywood and Beverly Hills for the Christmas Holidays.

Once again, due to economic reasons, misfortune can turn into fortune and a coincidence of wants for both parties. This great property, checking out the link above, is available during that week. Properties from 3 to 5 bedrooms are available and prices are in the range of $1100 to $1500 a night. Sure a little pricey, but this is an upscale area. Contacting the owners may give you some leverage. I'd check them out. 

Be Pious and Go to the Promised Land.

Well the Holy Land that is. This deal is brought to you by Cheap Flights and offers a great package for travel to the Holy Land of Israel. The deals is a little over $1000. Departure dates are in the range of December 1st to December 15th and Returns are anywhere from December 16th to 29th.

These are just a few great deals depending on budget. Obviously they vary by range and taste. More will be sure to come in the coming weeks as we delve into greater deals. Stay happy people and make sure you take on a great getaway.