While you are on a vacation and have limited time, bus tours can be a good choice to see as many places as possible. However, when it comes to a bus tour, the web is flooded with multiple bus tours by many companies that organize them. Therefore, it is important to choose a tour that is perfect for the kind of vacation you have planned—whether it’s with a small or large group or a solo trip.
Coming to the right bus tour, here are some tips to compare and find the right bus tour for your trip.
Bus tour companies – If you have ample of time before your vacation begins, you can do an in-depth research and go through all the companies that organize bus tours and read their reviews to understand which tour company is safe and right for you.
Itinerary – While you are doing your research, do compare the itinerary of the different bus tours. Tours that give you the option of customizing the itinerary as per your plan are often better.
Payment – Consider all costs and the overall payment you will make from the start till the end of your bus tour. This includes the deposit, main payment, and payment to the guide. It is always better to compare the total cost of different tours against the itinerary before booking.
Intended audience – Each bus tour is intended for a certain type of travelers, such as families, large groups, small groups, or solo travelers. Therefore, it is important to check the type of travelers a bus tour is created for.
Guide – The guide of any tour plays a vital role. You can check who your guide is from the tour company and read their reviews.
Included hotels – While you are selecting a bus tour, check all the hotels that are included in the itinerary, along with their locations. This will help you plan better for your trip. Checking the location of the hotels is important, as you will know how much time it will take you to reach the hotel. It is important to have hotels that are easily accessible, as that helps you save time traveling to and from your hotels.
The term all inclusive can be confusing for first-time travelers. For vacations packages, the term refers to the facilities and amenities that have been paid for in advance. All inclusive includes the fee for accommodation, food, beverages, taxes, and a few special activities that will vary depending on the type of the resort.
All inclusive vacations are the perfect way to spend a long vacation by yourself or with the family. All inclusive resorts, in particular, offer complete entertainment options for children, teens, young adults, and even seniors.
All inclusive resorts may not necessarily cost you a ton of money, even when you are traveling with your loved ones. Here are a few simple vacation booking tips to ensure that you get premium service for the best price.
Assess the fees
Since there is no standard assessment of what all inclusive deals offer, hotels and resorts will have varying tariff rates for their packages. Research is key when it comes to the exact fare of the vacation package, as there are additional cost factors like internet fees, airport fees, and meals and drinks not included in the package. Check with the resort to find out what can be adjusted as part of the package. Make some calls prior to booking and speak to a customer executive.
Booking dates
All inclusive resorts will be packed during the holiday season, not to mention expensive as well. If you want to book a vacation at any popular location, it is always best to avoid the peak season holiday time. Do not book anything during the Christmas season, and stay clear of the summer rush. The ideal booking season for an affordable all inclusive vacation would be the months right after labor day and just before Christmas. Remember, the higher the demand, the pricier the vacation package will be.
Pay as you use
You must have heard of pay-as-you-go phone deals, but would you be intrigued to find out that there is a way to pay for what you use to save costs on all inclusive bookings. Often, paying for an all inclusive package can be a waste of money, as it is nearly impossible to divide your time among multiple activities. Ensure firsthand where you plan to spend your time so that you pay for only those activities that you will be able to enjoy for the price. Bookings and negotiations can be made online or after talking to a customer executive.
All-inclusive resorts are a blessing for vacations, especially when we have little time at hand. These resorts keep you well covered throughout your vacation and help you stick to your itinerary well. An all-inclusive resort will typically include your stay, breakfast, and, if you are lucky, maybe a couple of trips to tourist attractions. However, there are a few things to consider before you rely on an all-inclusive resort to set your vacation straight! You do not want to land up in a situation where you get lesser than promised.
Family policies
It is quite normal to get excited about booking an all-inclusive hotel and neglecting the policies they have for families, children, and couples. It would not be pleasant to find yourself in a situation where the pool is full of kids. Adult-only resorts are the way to go if you are looking for a break from work and plan to relax while on vacation. Decide the type of vacation you need and choose accordingly before making the booking.
Food
A hungry you is not going to be a satisfied you, and an unsatisfied you is not going to have a good time on vacation. Most all-inclusive resorts include meals around the clock. However, just to be sure, you can check the meals served. You must also check whether you would be charged later for beer, beverages, and other food in the fridge.
Location
Your all-inclusive resort might have a great deal, but it might not be in the best location. This does not help when you are on vacation. Nobody wants to be tied to their resorts throughout their stay. Even if you are going for a short span, check the location so that you can spend some time exploring the city along with your relaxation.
Occupancy
The preference for the size of a resort can be different for all of us. If you are looking to spend your entire weekend in the resort, it would not hurt to be in a massive resort. You can walk around in the evenings, in-between meals, or even after dinner. While the preference and choice are yours, the size of a resort is an important factor to consider while booking an all-inclusive resort.
Going on a cruise is very different from your regular holiday because this is all about being out on the sea with your loved ones. This is all the more reason why you have to plan well for your cruise vacation in order to ensure that the bill is within your budget and you get the best out of the short trip you take.
In order to plan for a cruise vacation and select the best deal from the various vacation packages provided by various travel agents, here a few questions you need to ponder on so that your vacation does not go amiss.
Who do you plan to travel with?
A vacation is great only if you have a great company, someone who enjoys the same things as you. Compared to other forms of vacation, cruises are very different as it is being long on the water and more of onboard activities than you regular road trips. You just cannot stop your trip midway.
How much do you propose to spend?
Every cruise vacation has multiple packages and the price variation is a result of the various activities, type of cabin, etc. If it’s a full cruise, you cannot spend your whole day on the deck, you might get bored and you need to pick a few activities. Or you can travel luxuriously with all the elite perks if you can spend so much, they are pretty pricey.
How long are you planning to spend on your vacation?
A majority of the cruises are based on a package plan, where you pick a 5 to 7-day cruise, and so on. You need to factor in your travel to and from the pick-up and drop locations. Browse through the different itineraries for cruise vacation packages, and see what people have reviewed for those vacation packages. Taking a rushed vacation on a cruise is not ideal, and can turn pretty frustrating if you do not get a relaxed holiday.
Where do you want to cruise to?
The answer to this will depend on the season and your personal liking. Do you want a tropical vacation or a cruise by the glaciers? Each cruise vacation will vary on the type of activities you can do on the trip.
Consider these questions and make an informed decision.
Did you know that there are various types of cruise lines? There are so many cruise vacation packages for each type of customer, and each is uniquely different from the other. The only thing common is that you are onboard a ship, but the amenities, activities, destinations, etc. all differ.
Some of the common types of cruise vacation packages are as follows:
Cruise and stay packages: This is the type of cruise vacation package where you get the best of cruising around a destination and then staying for a prolonged period on land as part of the vacation. It’s a two deal package as you get to enjoy all aspects of a cruise without any hurry as well as stay and explore the land at the end or beginning of your cruise.
Cruise on tour packages: These types of cruise vacation packages would involve cruising coupled with docking at ports for short stays on land. This is a great option for those who like to explore both sea and land at the same time. Get on a cruise, spend some quality time lounging and enjoying other onboard activities, and then get on land, spend a few short days and nights exploring the land and getting a flavor of the local cuisine, traditions, etc.
Festive packages: These are typically the holiday cruise packages for those who cannot take a prolonged break but still get to go on a cruise and experience some quality time with your loved ones. Get on famous festive cruise packages and enjoy a Christmas in Germany or Denmark, or spend your new year on the dock of your ship out in the sea with fireworks lighting up the night.
Elite cruise packages: These are the most luxurious sorts where you get your own private charter to reach the cruise ship, top of the line cabin, exquisite dining experience, and private pools. If you are looking for some VIP treatment throughout your cruise, then these packages give you that royal experience all around.
There are also other types of packages such as family cruise vacation packages, themed vacation packages, special event packages, celebrity cruise packages, and expedition vacation packages. Whatever you pick, make sure that the itinerary matches your style so that your holiday is perfect and the best of all that you have done so far.
Most experts will tell you that the key to find the best cruise deal is the perfect combination of planning, timing, and plain good fortune. A good cruise deal will differ from person to person. For you, getting a free upgrade to a higher deck might be a good deal. For someone else, moving to a balcony cabin or an ocean view cabin might be a great deal. Whatever be your preference, the best cruise deal will make your vacation much more special. Here are a few tips on how to grab the best cruise deals available out there.
Finding a last-minute cruise deal is a tricky task. The cruise companies might offer you a significant amount of savings, especially if you are planning a family vacation. Whether you’ve been procrastinating or mulling over the idea of a vacation, last-minute deals will definitely take care of your woes.
Here are some things to take care of if you are a last-minute person.
When to book a cruise trip?
Most cruisers plan their trips well in advance. Depending on the itinerary and the destination, the cruise lines require the final payment 2-3 months before departure. But if you have missed this period, you must ensure that you book 30- 60 days before departure. This will give you enough time to get your documents in order, arrange any transportation or accommodation needs of your family. Also, during this time, the cruise liners drop their prices to go full house. There might be some instances of last-minute cancelations. You can take advantage of this and book your tickets immediately.
So, look for cruise lines that are set to sail in a few weeks and make the most of the deal they offer you.
Chase the journey, not the destination
If you are making last-minute reservations, there are chances you might have to compromise a bit. In such scenarios, aim at enjoying the journey and the scenic beauty, rather than concentrating on your last stop.
Popular cruises are mostly considered the best, but that does not make the smaller ones a bad experience. Be on a lookout for smaller or closer cruises that have basic facilities. Keep it about the experience rather than the end line!
The smaller cruise liners can equally surprise you with their last-minute cruise deals.
Pay attention to your pockets
Before setting your eye on a particular cruise line, check your resources at hand. While the idea of an impromptu vacation sounds like ultimate travel goals, you cannot disregard your budget. Before hunting down the cruise line details, check how much you can really spend on it. When you have decided on a particular amount, you can go crazy with the multitude of brilliant cruise deals at your disposal.
Are you hesitant to loosen your purse strings to accommodate that cruise holiday you have always wanted to take? If so, here’s something that will put an end to your financial woes—off-season cruise deals! It might come across as a bit of an oxymoron, but off-season cruises are a thing, and savvy travelers do it all the time. If you are on board a ship that sets sail during the off-season period, you may be taking one of your best vacations!
Still not convinced? Take a look at the slew of reasons to opt for off-season cruises.
This spring, if you are looking for a delightful escape from the hullabaloo of everyday life, then a cruise to the Bahamas should definitely be on the cards. Bahamas is where you can witness colorful reefs and the mysterious Theo’s Wreck resting together into the cerulean Atlantic waters. In addition, the capital city of Nassau gives you a glimpse into its spirited culture with places like Atlantis, Arawak Cay, Straw Market, Ardastra Gardens, and Queen’s Staircase. Tempted to book cruise tickets? To make this endeavor of yours simpler, we are listing down the cruise lines that can offer you some great Bahamas cruise deals. Let’s get started.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian is a terrific option if you are looking for affordable Bahamas cruise deals. They offer a variety of packages including weekend and week-long holidays. For this spring break, we recommend a 4-Day Bahamas from Miami in the Norwegian Sky that can cost as low as $138 per person. During the trip, you’ll get a chance to explore destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.
Disney Cruise Line
A family-friendly alternative, Disney Cruises offer Bahamian cruises ranging from a 3-day to 7-day duration. With Disney Cruises, you get to experience Broadway-quality shows, movie screenings, character experiences, deck parties, miniature golf, Royal Court Tea Party for kids, pools with waterslides, and more. Moreover, you have access to 24-hour room service, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, table-service dining for all meals, kids club, nightclubs, spa, and a private island. While they are comparatively quite expensive, Disney Cruises are ideal if you’re seeking a luxurious family-style spring break.
Carnival
Like Norwegian, Carnival is an excellent cruise line for budget travelers. The average price person for the cruise can range anywhere from $159 to $750 per person. Another great thing about the Bahamas cruises by Carnival is that they depart from multiple ports including Miami, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Norfolk, and Jacksonville, increasing accessibility. For your spring break, you can consider opting for a 4-day trip from Miami in a Carnival Conquest that starts with the average price of $378 per person.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise
If you are looking for weekend fun on a Bahamas cruise, then check out the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. They have everyday departures for two-night cruises, which can be bundled with a stay at a luxurious Bahamian beach resort. So, you can take a cruise to the Bahamas, get off, and enjoy the island for a few days. When your holiday is over, you can embark on the cruise to return to Florida.
During the course of planning your vacation, booking flight tickets might seem one of the most overwhelming points. If you spend too much on tickets, you may have to cut down on vacation expenses, go to a more affordable destination, and limit your activities during your time there. So to avoid all such hassles, it is essential to look for cheaper flight tickets.
Not all airlines charge the same price, and no two seats on the airline cost the same. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you get cheaper flight tickets so that you get the best out of your vacation.
Book early
Since the prices of flight tickets go up around three weeks leading to the departure date, it is best if you book your flights early. The best window to book your tickets is at least fifty days before departure. Websites like Google Flights analyze historical data and confirm that flight ticket prices do rise during the last few weeks before departure.
Another great reason to book early is that you get to choose the seat you like for a reasonable price. If you were to get your preferred window seat during the last few weeks before departure, you might have to pay a higher fee for it.
Don’t rule out choosing a connecting flight
A connecting flight is something we all wish to avoid. It might not be the most convenient option, but it can be a cheaper one. If there is no urgency, a connecting flight is the best way to go. Surveys show that you can save up to $100 on a round trip. You can further choose whether you want it to be a one-stop, two-stop, or three-stop flight, as the ticket prices may vary accordingly.
Avoid baggage fees
Using an airline credit card can help you reduce your baggage fees. Airline reward cards usually waive off baggage fees for one traveler. Some companies like Delta Amex waive off the fee for up to nine bags. However, this is only possible if you book flight tickets directly with the carrier and use the particular company’s credit card to pay.
Sign up for free alerts
You never know when the prices on flight tickets might go down. Hence, free alerts come in handy when looking for cheap deals or last minute flight tickets.
Keep your travel plans flexible
It might save you a few bucks if you are not particular about the day or date of your travel. A study actually proves that Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays are the cheapest days for flight travel. Also, taking a flight on any weekday is generally cheaper than on a weekend.
Since there are very few takers for flying on holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, these days are ideal to get cheaper flight tickets.
Lastly, morning flights are less expensive than other times. Since the first flight of the morning is the least expensive, it pays to wake up at 4 A.M. Lunch- and dinner-time flights are the next cheapest. Taking a red-eye flight is also a surefire way to get cheaper flight tickets. If you keep your travel plans flexible, you can end up saving a lot on flight tickets.
It pays to fly frequently
Being a loyal customer to your airline is helpful as they will provide great offers. This means that if you are a frequent flier, you are much more likely to get good deals on flight tickets. Even if you don’t get a discount, using the airline’s credit cards can help you avail many other perks. Priority boarding, free checked bags, and selecting the seats of your choice are some of the perks you can avail if you fly frequently.
Use your miles and credit points
The points you have racked up from your airline credit cards can be used to pay for your flight tickets. You can also use your airline loyalty program and book tickets directly from the airline’s portal. Furthermore, a credit card like American Express can give you benefits of up to $200 for in-flight purchases and baggage fees.
Check the airline’s website
Sometimes, you can find great deals on your carrier airline’s website. If you are already late for booking flight tickets, browsing airline specials can help you find discounts. When airlines offer deals through third-party websites or travel agents, they retain the best on their own sites.
Also, there are a few low-cost airlines that do not quote their ticket prices on travel websites. So, it always pays to check these airlines separately. However, you need to be careful with these low-cost tickets as prices might increase due to the addition of baggage fees, carry-on charges, and so on.