Four Rules to Save on Travel and Cruise

Ah, it is the time of the year when you start looking for your next vacation destination and book for flights and hotels or cruise. And there is no better way to begin your search than looking for ways to save on your trip. Now, you may already be aware that the cost of a vacation doesn't entirely depend on your destination. Partly, it is in the way of searching and bargain hunting that will determine how much you will spend on your vacation. Here are four most expensive aspects in your vacation and how you can save on them.AirfareAssuming you have selected your destination, don't book at the most popular airline yet. Check each airline that makes flight to that destination. Budget airlines may not always appeal to you, but they provide excellent discount of up to 40%-70% compared to regular and more established airlines. It's good to search online and get familiarized with the going rate of each airline. Watch out for special offers and last minute deals that are sources of some very nice bargains. Book early - there are airlines that sell flights at great discounts of you book three to nine months in advance. So if you have plans to travel in the near future, start your bargain hunt as early as now.HotelsThe best way to save on a hotel is to schedule your trip during the off season when hotels rates are much lower. But should you decide to go when everyone else goes, it is important to learn the following tips:1. Go online and visit travel websites. They provide comprehensive list of hotels and offer great discounts, especially if you are traveling to a high demand tourist destination
2. Integrate your hotel with a flight or as part of the tour package. Here, you will be paying for a 5-start hotel at a 3-star price
3. Staying for at least two nights at the same hotel will save you money on booking fee
4. Coupons will also help you get discount
5. If you are a travel club card or time share, it is a great time to use itCruise LineCruises do not normally offer great discounts as often as airlines do, but it also pays to check online and watch out for deals. On board a cruise, it is tempting to splurge on a little luxury, but like all the other luxuries, there are things you often can live without. Example, soda and coffee have a hefty price tag on a cruise. Skip the spa as well - you can do that at home. Skip the casino too. Bring everything you need so that you avoid shopping on board. Stores near the pier are designed for tourists hence, they can be very expensive. But shore excursions are much cheaper at pier agents than the cruise-arranged. Or, if you know the itinerary of the excursions, research online beforehand and learn how to get there. It will save you a lot.DestinationPicking your destination is as crucial as picking your travel dates. The least crowded the destination is, the least it will cost. Alaskan Cruise from May to September is usually cheaper while Caribbean Cruise in January and February can be cheaper.