If you’re searching for an all-inclusive vacation package, consider a cruise vacation. These types of vacations include everything that you would expect to find on an all-inclusive vacation such as accommodations, three meals a day, and a whole spectrum of activities and entertainment. Though that sounds like everything is included in a cruise getaway, there are items that are not included in the overall package, as noted below.
Airfare
Though a few selected cruise packages include airfare, most do not. Read the fine print to find out if the airfare is or is not included in the price. If not, it can add a substantial amount to your vacation if you don’t live within driving distance of the port.
Insurance
If you want to protect yourself against unexpected problems, you’ll need to take out a travel insurance policy. Prices vary so do some comparison shopping before buying your policy.
Tips
Most if not all cruise lines do not include tips as part of the total package. If that’s the case, you should figure on spending anywhere from $9 to $15 per day on gratuities. That includes tips to everyone from the cabin steward to the bartender.
Onshore excursions
Though all of your entertainment and activity needs are taken care on board the ship, that’s not the case once you disembark. You can choose to sign up for the cruise line’s onshore excursions, which can cost anywhere from $25 to $250 per excursion, depending upon the type of trip. Or you can plan your own private onshore excursions that cost less, but still budget at least $25 to $150 per day, since you’ll need to pay for at least one meal on those days when you need to disembark from the ship.
Gambling
If your ship has a casino, don’t expect the cruise line to ante up. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s still exciting to walk through the casino and experience the thrill.
Alcoholic drinks and specialty drinks
Alcoholic drinks are not included in the price of the cruise vacation. Neither are specialty drinks like espresso or cappuccino.
Photos
If you want professional snapshots of your time on board, you’ll have to pay the price. Though not terrible expensive, you’ll still have to budget some money for the chance to receive professional mementos.
Cruise to the far reaches of the world by taking advantage of cruise deals that can save you up to thousands of dollars.
Posted by: aneta
on Jan 31, 10 | 11:41 pm | Profile
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Posted by: Admin
on Jan 22, 10 | 12:04 pm | Profile
When it Comes to Travel Insurance, Planning Makes Perfect
They say “practice makes perfect”. We all know that. As you plan your 2010 group tours, I’d like to remind you that Planning Makes Perfect too!
When planning your 2010 tours, there are many details to juggle. I wish I had an easy solution where everything would just take care of itself. But hey, this is the real world … and Murphy’s Law is the order of the day!
Keep in mind the importance of travel insurance. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen an otherwise well-planned tour have an unhappy ending because the traveler had a problem. Maybe they skipped buying travel insurance, then canceled their trip, and became furious because YOU didn’t push the insurance on them. In worst case scenarios, they blame YOU for not booking insurance...
Then there’s the unfortunate traveler who needs medical attention on the trip and has to be flown home for more treatment. This happened recently to a nice 83 year old lady. She fell on the airplane and broke two ribs. It cost $19,000 for her to get treatment in a Paris hospital and evacuated back to the States on a commercial airliner. Fortunately she had travel insurance that covered everything.
I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Planning Makes Perfect.
Here are the two reasons why you should always include a good travel insurance plan for everyone in your group.
1. Give your travelers peace of mind:
Protect your traveler’s investment – they will thank you
Protect your traveler’s health – they will thank you again
2. Give yourself peace of mind:
Protect yourself from liability – always get signed waivers
Earn easy income – net rate plans are the most flexible
You have immediate access to an excellent group travel insurance plan called
Our Travel Protector. It’s part of the subscription to InSite eNewsletter. I strongly encourage you to include this insurance for everyone in your group. With low net rates you determine how much you will earn for each booking. We also provide a Waiver Form that you should use for anyone who declines the insurance.
Planning Makes Perfect: when planning your 2010 tours, be sure to visit www.OurTravelProtector.com and include this insurance for everyone in your groups.
Posted by: Admin
on Jan 11, 10 | 9:47 am | Profile
If you’re seeking adventure and a travel destination off the beaten track, consider a visit to El Salvador, the Central American country that’s situated on the stunning Pacific Coastline. Today’s El Salvador is a far cry from the tumultuous civil war years that plagued the country during the ‘80’s, though you’ll still have to keep a vigilant eye against possible crime. But if you take the necessary precautions like you would in any big cosmopolitan city, you should experience a warm and welcoming vacation.
Traveling to this Central American country makes sense anytime of year, though the dry period is from December until April. But even traveling during the wet season (May through November) is certainly possible as temperatures are warm, with many sunny days.
Arriving to El Salvador is simple, as the country’s international airport is the largest in Central America, and is conveniently located close to San Salvador, the capital city. Traveling within the country is possible via public transportation, though buses tend to be overcrowded. Renting a car or hiring a driver with a private car is also an option. And Central America’s major artery, the Pan American highway, travels right through the capital, originating from such far away places as Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Since you’ll more than likely be arriving from the airport, the metropolitan city of San Salvador should be your first stop. This city is a true microcosm of the different strata of people living in El Salvador. Here, you’ll find a mix of the modern and cosmopolitan along with the poverty-stricken side of life. But if you look beyond the apparent discrepancies, you’ll see the pluses that this city offers. There are ultra-modern shopping malls that can compare with any in the world, unbeatable museums, and an extremely active nightlife with upscale clubs.
Outside of the teaming metropolitan area, you’ll be able to experience the natural beauty of the country. In nearby Santa Ana, you’ll see miles of sugarcane fields and coffee plantations, where some of the world’s finest coffee is produced. And further in the country you’ll be privy to see Mayan ruins such as those at Tazumal and volcanoes that dot the countryside. But wherever you visit, don’t miss El Salvador’s gorgeous beaches, where you can surf some of the best waves in the world.
El Salvador is truly a hidden wonder.
For pure luxury, stay in one of the five-star Paris Hotels that are located in just about every section of the city.
Posted by: aneta
on Dec 31, 09 | 2:08 am | Profile
