Guest blog by Alicia Werle
Each day we are consumed and preoccupied with every day life and dream of the day when we can escape from all of it for even just a few days. Every year people start off their New Year’s resolutions by saying they are going to enjoy life more and take that much needed vacation. “This year will be the year that it really happens” people often think to themselves.
My family and I have realized just how important taking those family trips are to unwind and spend time together. We personally enjoy four family vacations each year and have done so for the past three years. If you are like us, budgets are tight, but if you plan properly and use some of these simple guidelines below you will be able to enjoy the same travel pleasures that we do.
Here are a few tips about cruising that you might not know.
How To Cruise at the Best Prices:
1. The best time to take a cruise really depends on where you are wanting to go. However. a rule of thumb is that there are three months of the year where cruises are at the lowest prices. The best months typically are September, October and November to book a cruise.
2. You should book your cruise 12-18 months in advance to get the best prices. You can also book at the very last minute 48 hours before the departure date and grab awesome prices on those cabins not booked.
3. Never pay a deposit on your cruise. Always make sure that your deposits are covered by the company booking your cruise or the Cruise Line themselves.
4. Make sure you watch the prices after you book your family cruise. If your cruise is still within 90 days of departure you can price match your trip to get the lowest price possible if the prices drop. Register for weekly emails from a site called Cruise Critic so you have the lowest rates come to you. You can find cruises up to 85% off on this site.
5. Book your cruise excursions directly from the excursion company themselves rather than the Cruise Line. You might not know this but cruise lines mark their prices up by 15-25% for the exact same excursion.
How to Get Flights at the Best Prices:
1. Tuesday is the very best day of the week to book a flight for the most part. Never book a flight on the weekends as prices are escalated.
2. Booking your flight 4-5 months in advance will usually give you the best rates. You can also book your flight 2-3 days after a major holiday as flight prices statistically drop.
3. Use sites like Hotwire or Kayak when searching flight options. Also try calling the airline directly and asking them how low they can get a specific flight.
4. Register for Airline Rewards programs like Delta, Airtran and Southwest offer. You will be surprised how quickly points add up to a free flight.
5. Make sure you arrive at the airport earlier than normal to check in for your flight. Once you get there ask them if they will upgrade your flight. I have done this many times and been upgraded to first class for free.
How to Get the Best Rates On Hotels/Resorts:
1. Monday or Tuesdays are the best days of the week to book your hotel stay. Statistically prices are at their lowest on these two days.
2. You can get the best rates on hotels if you book 3-4 months in advance or 48 hours before your ideal travel dates.
3. When searching for the lowest price options using sites like Booking and Hotwire are the best. Calling the hotel directly and asking to speak with someone in the sales department can also offer special discounts that are extremely low.
4. Register for hotel rewards programs like Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton all offer. Just like flights these points add up quickly that lead to free nights in your favorite resort.
5. Make sure you arrive to your hotel/resort to check in earlier than the normal scheduled time. Ask the front desk if they will upgrade your room. This can often lead to an ocean view room or a room with deluxe amenities like a kitchen. We have also done this numerous times and enjoyed an extra special stay.
How to Get All Inclusive Trips at the Best Prices:
1. Best times to travel depends on where you are wanting to go. Overall the best four months to book an all inclusive vacation are in the months of September, October, January and February.
2. Use sites like Bookit.com or Pleasant Holidays to get the very best prices.
3. Make sure you watch your all inclusive vacation prices and price match it if the price drops on your dream trip.
These are some of the best guidelines and tips so that you and your family can spend that quality time together at the very best prices. If your schedule is flexible and you want the deals to come directly to you then you can also register for weekly emails from sites like Travelzoo and Groupon Getaways where vacations are negotiated for you at up to 80 percent off. Whether you want to take a Cruise around the World, visit the Eiffel Tower, hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains or just bask in the sun on a beach in Hawaii somewhere….. the world can be yours to conquer with a little planning and applying these simple tips.
Alicia Werle is the owner of Breaking Free Financial Seminars. She teaches monthly seminars on how to actively become debt free through couponing.
