Save Money on a Cruise Vacation
Here are seven tips for saving money on a cruise vacation[4]:
Book early
Book at least four to six months in advance to get the ship, travel dates and state room of choice
Avoid peak times
High season is generally during the summer and other times of the year when school is out. That includes spring break, around the December holidays, Thanksgiving, etc.
Sail old school
Select a cruise with an older ship to save.
Look for repositioning cruises
Booking a vacation on one of these repositioning cruises can be significantly cheaper than a regular itinerary.
However, one should consider that repositioning cruises are only one-way. The voyage also can take 10 days to two weeks, with fewer stops at ports of call along the way.
Look beyond price
There are the perks and incentives that could end up making the trip a better value.
Target cheaper itineraries
The shorter the voyage, the less costly the cruise.
Account for extras
Here's a tool to help add up potential travel costs when you book a cruise:
References
Interview with the author of book “How to Be the World’s Smartest Traveler (and Save Time, Money and Hassle)” (video; watch at 33:30)
Travel in India? (a must-read article)
Cheaper and More Exciting Alternative to Hotels!
All you have to do is choose your destination on Airbnb.com and its search engine will provide you with various options.
Why Booking Hotels Through Websites like Kayak, Expedia Isn't Smart
If you are loyal and you know that you are going to stay at a specific hotel, usually you can find a comparable rate on the hotel website
Hotels earn more from you when booking direct — they don’t have to pay an [online travel agency] commission fee — they are more inclined to offer you upgrades, better perks or complimentary add-ons
When Should I Buy My Flight? (SmartTravel)
Avoid booking too early and too late. CheapAir's "window" for good deals on domestic tickets is 27–114 days in advance; Expedia's window is 50–100 days.
Start with our own free fare alerts, our sister site BookingBuddy, and Airfarewatchdog's famous fare alerts.
2015 Global Peace Index (country safety ranking)
Good credit card for international travel (@Forbes)
If you want no fee, PenFed Promise has no 4x fee and no annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: no 4x fee and can transfer points to multiple airlines. But there is a fee.
Tourist Destinations That Are More Dangerous Than You Think
Avoid these countries: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Egypt, Mexico, Kenya, India
Study finds new potential treatment for jet lag
Researchers believe the flashing light helps reset the circadian system, which regulates rhythms in the human body and establishes normal sleep and wake phases.
9 apps and websites to make the most out of your next vacation
Here's why Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. ET is the perfect time to buy airline tickets