by Online Hotelier on July 7, 2009
Going on a cruise can be a great way to save money on a summer vacation. Cruises are typically all-inclusive; which only includes food and entertainment. Often, if you’re not careful, you will end up spending more than you planned on because of your drink purchases, gift shop trips, gambling in the onboard casino, participating in shore excursions and various other activities. Well here are couple tips to keep you on budget.
Cell Phones on the Ship
Before using your cell phone on the ship, check and see what you’ll be paying per minute. Often the charges are quite high, up to around $3.00 per minute in some cases and sometimes more. Wait to go on shore to use your phone or laptop if possible.
The Casino
So you’re excited to go to Casino? Well set a predetermined daily amount before you get there and stick to it. You can do very well in these casinos but not as well as say a Vegas casino. Remember it can still be fun as long keep in mind your limit.
Cruise Gift Shops
Many cruise gifts shops can make stray heavily from your budget. They tend have a lot of overpriced items that can be obtained in port for a lot less money. Check out the items you like in the gift shop and see if you can find them elsewhere. I am not saying not to buy a few items, but a set a limit and stick to it.
On-board Art Auctions
You will most cruise ships have some type of art auction on board. These tend to be the perfect place to find some great pieces at a reasonable price. People tend to be sucked into these auctions and end not ever hanging these pieces up or displaying them. Remember only buy what you know you’re going to use. With a little research you would able to find the same pieces of art for a better price of the ship.
Food, Food, & More Food
Many cruises have onboard restaurants that have varying cuisine but are not included with your ship meal plan. Remember you have already paid for the food in your initial purchase, so take advantage of that fact in order to save money. Consider only attending these types of restaurants for special occasions or as treat for yourself. This will help keep you on budget.
These tips should to drastically keep you on budget on your next cruise. Remember to all research your cruise ship’s onboard activities, and food options. This way you can plan ahead on what you would like to participate in.
by Online Hotelier on June 7, 2009
There are several ways to make web hotel reservations, some may even assist the consumer in getting a discount. Many of those who travel will turn to the internet for reservation bookings. However, if you don’t know what to look for when making online hotel reservations, the traveler can easily be fooled. Some of the hotels featured online may not be completely honest about matters such as features, undesirable locations, costs, and their reviews.
When considering making online hotel reservations, always seek out reviews that are independent of the site. The hotel’s site may only list biased reviews that are in favor of the hotel. It only takes a few minutes to do and may spare you from booking a room with a hotel that has a bad reputation. Keep in mind to check the hotel’s rating, and try to get reviews from a reliable source on the web.
Location is key. You should always do a little research on the surrounding community or area before making online hotel reservations. This is especially true if you have never visited in the particular area. Is the hotel in a safe place? This should be one of the top priorities. Safety ratings of a particular region or city are typically available on the web, and it should be one of the first things you check out.
Online hotel reservations can be convenient and save you money. Play it safe and smart. Know what it is that you are looking for and investigate before booking any online hotel reservations.
by Online Hotelier on March 30, 2009
If you are trying to find a hotel reservation online you should use Hotels.com. Hotels.com is the easiest way to make hotel bookings online. You will often find the same rooms that you are looking at on other sites on Hotels.com for less expensive prices.
Start by visiting Hotels.com and then enter the information about your trip. Where you are going, when you need the hotel room, and how many people will be staying with you. Then it will take you to your hotel selection page. Here you can narrow done your hotels by amenities, guest rating, star rating, price, or even by hotel name. Once you click on the hotel that you are interested in, it takes you to a page that tells you about your selected hotel. If you like the hotel and the price, you then book your hotel reservations.
If you don’t have a specific trip that you are trying to make travel reservations for you can use the deals button on the top of the Hotels.com homepage. This page takes you to the top deals for all the most popular cities, then you can plan a trip around your hotel booking.
Hotels.com is very easy to use and helps you find great prices on travel reservations. You know exactly what type of room you are getting, and you know all the details of the hotel. With Hotels.com you will get the exact travel reservation that you want, your not surprised with a substandard hotel.
