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Finding A Cheap Cruise And How To Enjoy It

There are many cruise companies, and so many ships it seems like a perfect time to take a cruise. Taking a vacation on a cruise ship is exciting, but can be very expensive. Cruise companies may offer cheap rooms, but then surprise you with on-board expenses. Non-included…

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There are many cruise companies, and so many ships it seems like a perfect time to take a cruise. Taking a vacation on a cruise ship is exciting, but can be very expensive. Cruise companies may offer cheap rooms, but then surprise you with on-board expenses. Non-included restaurants, high priced drinks and outrageous internet prices will all add up. But don’t despair, there are ways to cruise affordably, it just takes discipline, and a bit of skill for you to pull it off. So how do you book a cheap cruise and then enjoy it?

Booking a cheap cruise is quite easy, you just need flexibility. If you are flexible on where you are willing to go, and aren’t set on having a particular room. it will be easier for you to find an inexpensive cruise. Cruise pricing is similar to tour pricing, the closer you get to the departure date the lower the price becomes. Cruise companies don’t want to sail with half empty ships, less passengers mean less on-board spending. On-board spending is where the cruise companies make the majority of their money, so as the departure date approaches the prices become lower. You can also book far in advance for good pricing, but last minute prices are usually better. The only real benefit to booking early is to secure the room you want. Don’t travel when everyone else is traveling, when the kids are in school the rates are the best. This is especially true for family activities such as a cruise. 

To book your cruise you have two options, you can use a travel agent, or you can book it yourself. There are many do it yourself options, but it’s best to start with a travel agent as they often get better rates and last minute deals. They will also act as a liaison with the cruise company if something goes wrong. If you choose to book the cruise yourself there are really only three sources you will need:

Cruise Sheet

Vacations To Go

Cruise Deals

These websites scour the web for the best cruise deals. Cruise Sheet is a website that crawls the web for information and then displays cheap fares. This site makes finding a cheap cruise easy, and seems to find all the best deals. Vacations To Go is more of a travel agent/operator so often has better deals. They can negotiate directly with cruise companies, but they do add fees. Cruise Deals has a weekly newsletter that is worth subscribing to. When booking your cruise think small. Smaller ships tend to be less expensive since they offer less attractions and fewer amenities. Always choose to travel off season, you will get much cheaper fares. Consider taking a repositioning cruise, this is when a cruise company moves a ship from one part of the world to another in anticipation of the upcoming season. These cruises are a great way to sail down the coast of a continent or cross an ocean on the cheap. Don’t book your flight with the cruise, booking it separately is a sure way to save money. If you have booked your cruise and the price drops, contact the cruise company or your travel agent, you may be able to get the difference as an on-board credit.

Now that you have booked your cruise how can you enjoy it without going broke? A cruise in the past was most always all-inclusive, but that is becoming increasingly less so. Cruise companies want you to spend money on-board since this is where they make their biggest profits. But if you are smart and disciplined you can enjoy your cruise for little more than the price of the cabin itself.

Avoiding the casino, the shopping and the spa are obvious ways to save money, there are many more ways to save. Watch what you drink. Sodas used to be free, but are now usually high priced, and buying alcohol on-board can really add up. Stick to the free drinks offered; water, iced tea and juices. If you want soda or beer on the cruise, Cruise companies will let you bring one case of your own water, soda or beer as well as a bottle of wine onto the ship. Avoid the non-included restaurants on board, the food in the dining areas and buffets are just as good. Avoid the cheesy professional photos. Using your digital camera or your phone camera, you can take your own photos and have them printed when you return home at a fraction of the price. Plan your own shore excursions. The cruise run shore excursions are overpriced and usually crowded. Do a little research on-line before your trip and you can plan your own activities. You will not only save money but you will support the local economy more directly. Don’t have your laundry done on the ship. Bring enough clothes for all occasions to make doing laundry unnecessary, or bring Woolite with you and wash your clothes in the sink. Don’t take advantage of the airport transfer the cruise company offers. You can find a cab for a much cheaper rate. 

On a cruise you can get away from it all, have a chance to relax and recharge. Put away the wallet, head to the gym or the all day buffet and have the time of your life without breaking the bank. 

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Travel

5 Camping Resorts Every Camper Should Visit At Least Once: Scenic Campgrounds Across America

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Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities in America. According to a study by the Outdoor Foundation, camping ranks as the third most popular outdoor activity, with more than 31 million people participating each year. If you’re one of those people who love to camp or are just getting into it and looking for some great camping spots, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll discuss five excellent camping resorts every camper should visit at least once.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in the United States for travel experts like Victoria Gerrard La Crosse, and it’s easy to see why. The park is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The mild climate makes it a great place to visit any time of year. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Rocky Mountain National Park is a campground that everyone should visit at least once.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in Virginia. The park offers various camping options, from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with electrical hookups. There are also many activities to enjoy in the park, including hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing. Shenandoah is also home to various wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. One of the best things about Shenandoah National Park is its proximity to Washington, D.C. The park is just a short drive from the nation’s capital, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique campgrounds in the United States. Situated on the border of Montana and Canada, the park is home to more than 1,000 glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Travel experts like Victoria Gerrard La Crosse visiting Glacier National Park can enjoy various activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and there is no better place to experience the beauty of nature. In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park also offers a sense of peace and tranquility that can be hard to find in today’s busy world.

Yosemite National Park

Few places on Earth are as naturally stunning as Yosemite National Park. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the park is home to towering waterfalls, pristine meadows, and some of the tallest trees in the world. Visitors can experience Yosemite’s natural beauty by hiking through its many trails, camping under the stars, or simply driving through the park to take in the sights. There is truly something for everyone at Yosemite, making it one of the most popular national parks in the country. However, what sets Yosemite apart from other campgrounds is its accessibility. Although it is located in a remote corner of California, the park is easily reachable by car, making it an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. Yosemite should be at the top of your list whether you’re looking for a short day trip or a more extended vacation.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a campground everyone should visit at least once. The park is located in Texas and boasts more than 8,000 feet of elevation. Big Bend is also one of the largest national parks in the contiguous united states. The park has more than 1,200 hiking trails, passing through various landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and canyons. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including javelinas, black bears, and mountain lions. Campers can also enjoy stargazing, bird watching, and horseback riding. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Big Bend National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the country.

Conclusion

There are many beautiful and unique campgrounds located throughout the United States. However, there are five that stand out above the rest. Rocky Mountain National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Glacier National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Big Bend National Park are all must-see destinations for anyone who loves camping. Each park offers unique scenery and activities, making it a great place to spend a weekend or longer. Pack your camping gear and head to one of these five scenic campgrounds today.

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Travel

How To Manage Various Areas Of A Business Trip

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How To Leverage Technology To Make Your Vacation Great

Heading out of town for a business trip can be something that adds a bit of variety to your month. Not all professionals enjoy traveling as some do not like staying in hotels and do not sleep well there. Being the point person for a company to travel to meet with big clients can allow you to climb the corporate ladder. Travel is going to be a bit stressful as there is always a chance weather or a flight cancellation due to understaffing impacts your trip. There are going to be those things out of your control that you should not stress about. A flight being delayed is not something within your control and a client will likely forgive you for being a bit late due to travel delays. The following are tips to manage different aspects of your next business trip.

Keeping Expenses Organized

Keeping the expenses you incur during a trip is very important. You might have a company credit card which makes this far easier. You do not want to lose money by being sent on the trip. You should ask to be reimbursed with the receipts to prove you paid if you have to spend your own money. There are apps that you can use to take pictures of receipts that automatically categorize them for you. If you own your own business, you should have a credit card for just business. With this being said, it can be hard to differentiate personal and professional costs so getting a small business accounting specialist is imperative. 

Scheduling Time To Decompress 

A long business trip can be something that completely drains you emotionally and physically. Pitching clients and building rapport can be something that tires you out after a period of time. You should look for various opportunities to have a bit of fun or to relax during your trip. You want to rejuvenate so you can be your best each day of the trip. You should not constantly be doing something that you still have personal time that you have free. Too many professionals use the entire trip for work which results in them more tired than when they left for the trip. 

Keeping Up With Work In The Office

A great way to consistently be selected to travel for business is to hit deadlines for the work you have in the office. Use the time that you are on the plane to work as this can be a good time to get things done. Most travelers want to avoid talking to the person next to them as it can be uncomfortable. You should ask for extensions on deadlines if the trip simply made it too difficult to maintain your usual quality of work. Plan certain tasks for various legs of your trip as a long flight can allow you to complete quite a bit of work.

A business trip can be something that can take your career to the next level. You should also be able to enjoy yourself as traveling on your company’s dime can be a nice little treat.

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Destinations

Helicopter Tours That Raise Hairs

Imagine flying amongst the clouds as you glide through the sky in a helicopter as your mind is blown by the incredible views.

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     If adventure is what you seek, there is no greater way to see your vacation destinations than by helicopter. Imagine yourself flying amongst the clouds as you glide through the sky in a helicopter – the mind blown by the incredible views. There is no better way to enjoy attractions then up a couple of thousand feet in a rotary-winged machine. They may be loud but a helicopter ride will easily be the most memorable experience from any vacation. Check out the best destinations to take a helicopter ride and see things from a truly unique vantage point. 

Las Vegas

     Las Vegas is one of the busiest helicopter tour destinations, with plenty to see in a short ride. From the Vegas strip to the Hoover Dam to the granddaddy of them all, the Grand Canyon. A helicopter is the only way to see the Grand Canyon in all its glory and majesty. The Grand Canyon is over 270 miles long and can be 15 miles across; something that grand needs a copter to see it fully.

Niagara Falls

     Most people will tell you the best view of Niagara Falls is from a boat in the water beneath the falls, but that’s not true, obviously, the best view is from a helicopter. Niagara Falls is just a massive sight to see and with all the tourists that jam the site, it can be difficult to have a perfect vantage point. If you really want an amazing view that is unforgettable, you must see the falls from a helicopter. Imagine the immense beauty of something so powerful as Niagara Falls seen from above in the peace of a smoothly flying helicopter.

Kauai, Hawaii

     If you have seen the beginning scene of Jurassic Park then you know that in Kauai there are waterfalls only accessible by helicopter. Kauai is known as the garden island because it’s so lush and only 20% of the island is accessible by car. The island has many amazing sights that have to be seen by helicopter to understand how massive they are. The Na Pali Coast is the Western side of the Island and is characterized by the huge, steep mountains covered in green ferns. The entire side of the island is unreachable by car and a helicopter is the only way to see it or you can traverse the 17 miles up and down over a two-day hike. The Waimea Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific as its massive and beautiful. Plus there are a dozen or so mega waterfalls you have to see from a helicopter.

New York City

     New York City is the mega-metropolis city that we all love and never have enough time to see it all when we visit. If you want to really understand how huge NYC is, you have to see it from a helicopter. Imagine flying between the skyscrapers, above the central park and around the Statue of Liberty. New York is such an expansive city it’s nearly impossible to catch it all in one trip, but a great way to check it out is a few hundred feet up, in a whirlybird.


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