Flying Fees Add Up Fast

Think you have enough money saved to fly to your niece’s upcoming college graduation? Add up the litany of airline fees and you may be forced to drive to the commencement ceremonies. These days the cost of an airline seat is only part of what you will likely have to pay before you take flight. Most carriers are making a killing by charging hefty baggage fees on domestic flights. On average, you can expect to fork over $25 each way for your first checked bag and between $30 and $35 for the second. Think about how deep you have to … Continue reading →

Stretch Your Dollar at Sea

Royal Caribbean is giving travelers more bang for their buck on the high seas. The cruise line is getting ready to unveil its most extravagant vessels to date. The new Quantum of the Seas will feature a giant glass capsule connected to a mechanical arm that transports passengers high above the water similar to the London Eye. Only, you won’t have to fork over an extra $25 per person to ride it. Rather, a spin on the spectacular attraction will come at no additional charge to any of the 4,180 passengers who book a trip on the massive ship. Royal … Continue reading →

The Budget-Conscious Cruiser

You can learn a lot from penny-pinching travelers who enjoy cruising the high seas. These budget-conscious voyagers know what it takes to get the most bang for their buck. When it comes to stretching your dollar on a fun-filled cruise, consider the following: Seek Out Sales: Many large cruise companies, such as Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean offer special deals throughout the year. Some of the most popular promotions include: reserve one full fare booking and get a certain percentage off the second passenger or reserve a 14-day cruise and get seven days free. The deals can save you up … Continue reading →

The Frugal Cruiser

Nothing is better than setting sail on a relaxing cruise that doesn’t leave your wallet high and dry. These days you don’t have to drain your bank account to afford a dream cruise. Instead, you can save a bundle by following a few simple money-saving tips. For example: Size: When it comes to financing a cruise, size matters. Massive cruise ships that house thousands of passengers and crew members often offer a boatload of amenities that may cost you a pretty penny. By opting for a smaller vessel with fewer available goods and services you can reduce the price of … Continue reading →

Ways to Save on a Dream Cruise

It’s a myth that the only way you can save on a cruise is to wait until the last-minute to book and take whatever itinerary you can get. In fact, there are several ways you can afford to escape on a dream voyage without compromising your standards. After all, cruise lines stand to gain more when they offer discounted cabins rather than set sail with a bunch of empty staterooms. Even if a cruise line has to lower its rates to entice travelers, it’s still making a profit from passengers purchasing photographs, souvenirs, drinks, spa packages, and other services. The … Continue reading →

Playing the Frequent Flyer Game

Years ago, I enrolled in multiple frequent flyer programs with the hope that I would accrue enough miles to earn free flights. Nearly two decades later, I’ve scored roughly eight round-trip tickets at no charge thanks solely to miles earned by flying. Not by staying at select hotels, purchasing meals at participating restaurants, or sending flowers to loved ones using a company affiliated with an airline’s loyalty program. I prefer to earn miles the old-fashioned way: by flying. There has been a growing trend among frequent flyer programs to reward travelers with miles if they patronize companies affiliated with an … Continue reading →

Stretching Your Cruise Dollar

The best way to make the most of your next cruise is to select one that appeals to every member of your family. After all, no one wants to waste time and money traveling with unhappy companions. In order to make every penny of your cruise vacation count look for ships which offer a range of activities for passengers of all ages. Fortunately, these days mega-fun vessels are not hard to find. Some of the world’s largest ships are home to massive on-board children’s play areas broken into separate zones for different age groups. Other noteworthy features include multiple family-friendly … Continue reading →

Studying Airfare Structures

Saving money on air travel doesn’t come without a little effort. Or, in some cases, a lot of effort. The advent of the Internet has made booking more convenient, but not all sites are easy to navigate; consequently, finding the best fare can be quite challenging. Add to that the vast array of fare structures that vary from airline to airline and you may be tempted to drive to your vacation destination rather than fly. To help travelers find prices that best suit their budgets, American Airlines recently unveiled a new fare structure. It offers potential fliers three coach-class fare … Continue reading →

Tolls Taking a Toll on Travelers

Nothing gets a traveler hot under the collar faster than having to spend extra money on tolls. If paying for gas, hotel rooms and meals weren’t enough, several states have increased the amount of cash they are requiring road warriors to fork over for the privilege of driving on their asphalt. The expansion of the electronic toll system allows locals and visitors alike to speed through the express lanes without having to shell out cash each time. Rather, drivers can pre-purchase toll devices and use them on highways, bridges and tunnels, from California to Maine. The largest toll program is … Continue reading →

Float Your Holiday Boat

Tis the season to set sail or at least view a flotilla of festive lights parading on the water. Holiday boat parades are extremely popular this time of year in communities that feature large bodies of water. The parade of lights is truly a sight to see. Vessels of all shapes and sizes get decked out in twinkling illuminations and strut their stuff near shorelines crammed with excited onlookers. Among the most popular holiday light boat parades are: December 3rd: Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade in Hampton, Virginia and Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla in Carolina Beach. December 10th: Chanel … Continue reading →